Question:
How long after Lap surgery can you go back to work and lift heavy weight?

I work for an ambulance service and trying to have Lap surgery approved to get done and don't want to miss too much work. But I lift pt's every time I go to work.    — Hannah C. (posted on April 26, 2006)

April 26, 2006
You didn't say whether it is Lap RNY or LapBand- but either way you need to follow your doctors advice. I had LapRNY and even tho' I am an RN all of my work as a CM is desk work so I was told 1 week but he would reccomend 2-3 weeks. I just finished my first week post op and I do become tired and usually rest for an hour in the AM and afternoon but will probably ask Dr for a release when I see him next week. If your diet is anything like the one my doc puts us on the first week post op is clear liquids only and now I am on full liquids equaling about 250 calories per day- not a lot for heavy physical activity. Again ask your doc - if you go against his advice he could drop you from his panel of patients.
   — dabby

April 26, 2006
Hannah, I suggest you take off more time than your surgeon suggests. I had a lap sleeve gastrectomy 16 days ago and was led to believe I'd be fine for work after 2 weeks. I am a doctor myself and I thought that should be about right too. However I have had to cancel all my patients for this week and I'm still not able to drive either because of pain when my tummy moves in most directions. Hopefully I will be able to do some limited consulting next week, but will be avoiding any gynae exams and baby deliveries for at least another week. So I would think in your job you should allow at least 4-5 weeks off work. The lap scars are deceptively small, but there are larger wounds in the abdominal muscles and and they use big strong sutures to pull everything together - and I mean PULL. So good luck with your surgery, but be kind to yourself.
   — juliegoad

April 26, 2006
My surgeon said no heavy lifting for a month, even with LAP you need to heal inside as well as outside. DONT GET OPEN SURGERY 1/3 get at least one incisional hernia with your job hernias are likey guaranteed:( Any chance they could move you to dispatch or have some special projects, community outreach? perhaps visur schools with a ambulance explaing what you do and simple safety info for kids? while your on the mend? take some classes during recovery time? attend a convention?
   — bob-haller

April 27, 2006
Hannah, I had LAP RNY in AUg 2001. I am a CNA. I was back to work with no restrictions after 3 weeks.... Good Luck!
   — SusieBella