Question:
if I am optimistic, which I am? when is the soonest I can hope to return to work
I am relatively healthy now besides being obese. I am 5'8 and 235ilb. sleep apnea is my comorbid condition that qualifies me for the surgery. I am planning to have the RNY laproscopically. My job is neither very stressful nor physically straining. I hope to return to work in 2 weeks post op.....what do you think? Anyone? — Deborah W. (posted on August 30, 2008)
August 30, 2008
based on your description of yourself and seeing that you're optimistic you
should have no problem whatsoever returning to work in two weeks.....you
could probably even go back sooner. The only thing you may experience,
assuming there are no unforseen problems from the surgery, is getting more
tired than usual.
Good luck.
— cjjordan
August 30, 2008
The one thing you didn't say is how old you are . I had my surgery almost 2
weeks ago and though i feel much better, Im having bowel issues with all
the fluids i take in . Its kind of a wait and see thing at 20 Id have been
back in a few days. At 40+ I listen to my body and let it have the time it
needs... I will need an additional week to be of any use to coworkers ...
— [Deactivated Member]
August 30, 2008
I was 5'8" and 286lbs. @ surgery - "drive a desk" for work
and could of EASILY have gone back to work in 3-4 days after release from
the hospital. I took the two weeks and glad I did. I was crawling walls by
the time I went back to work. Good luck!
— jammerz
August 30, 2008
I took two weeks off and I was just fine when I went back. I was also more
than ready to go back! Being home the first week was okay, but it sucked
because I couldn't drive. The second week, I was just going out of my mind!
I felt good and I wanted to go back to work! Personally, I think you'll be
just fine ... Just listen to your body and don't push yourself too hard!
— lauren_marie
August 30, 2008
I am relatively healthy also. I would first say consult your doctor and he
can give you better advice based on his goals and his recipe for success.
For me I went into the hospital on Tuesday and was out on Thursday. I
resumed my part time job on Friday (a work from home job) and did that
while I was home recuperating. The following Friday, after completing my
work from home job I returned to my full time job. That first day I was
exhausted by the end of the night. From then on I have been fine. I do
still get tired but because I havent had any major health issues since the
surgery (just nauseau every day and because of the nauseau I am wary of
eating) it has been a lot better than I expected. But like everyone here
says the recovery process for each individual is different. I wish you
luck!
— B. Jones
August 30, 2008
I'm 35 years old, WAS 276 lbs and I only took 1 1/2 weeks off after lap
RNY. I have to be totally honest though.. I work for the best employer and
most thoughtful employees.. And no one let me lift anything. I was able to
get up and walk as much as I needed to and everything went really smoothly.
I think there are so many factors that determine when you can go back to
work. GOOD LUCK!
— smd
August 30, 2008
My answer differs from most of the others but here goes. The doctor and
nutritionist where a I had my surgery (Tuffts New England Medical Center in
Boston, MA) reccommended that those patients having the Gastric Bypas stay
out of work for 4 - 6 weeks. This was not because they did not feel you
would not be physically well enough to work but that your body is making a
lot of adjustments after this surgery - It is major surgery. Also you have
to eat a very different way than you have in the past and more frequently
at first. Your diet should progress from clear liquids - to full liquids -
to pureed - to soft and then to regular foods - low fat and sugar free. You
need to get 60 - 80 grams of protein each day and drink at least 64 ounces
of liquids - preferably water/day. It takes a lot of planning to do this at
home - never mind at work. By 4 - 6 weeks you can be on a more solid diet
and plan the foods and liquids you need to take with you. I felt like I
was always mixing, measuring and pureeing foods for the first 3 - 4 weeks.
To say nothing of the nausea that made me not want to eat. I could never
have gone back to work in 4 weeks never mind 6. But everyone is different,
responds to the surgery differently so ultimately you should ask your
doctor when he thinks you are ready to return to work. Good luck with your
surgery and your recovery.
Jane
— NanaJane
August 30, 2008
It sounds like a very realistic time frame to go back to a non-stressfull
job. It used to be everyone got the standard 6 weeks off for surgery.
Now, it is less and less.
I had 2 procedures done, one laparoscopically- LapBand and one done open- a
large hernia repair with an 8 inch incision and was only given 9 days off
work. I am an RN and at the time was a charge nurse in the most acute
psych ward in town with the most volatile, sick patients that required a
lot of physical and mental exertion. Seclusion and restraints. I
explained my situation and begged for more time off, no way was the answer.
My surgeon's belief is and was that the sooner you get out and back to
work, the sooner you heal and lose weight. It was very difficult and my
fellow nurses really looked out for me... thank goodness.
Congratulations on your decision and the best of luck with everything.
Dawn
— DawnVic
August 30, 2008
My surgeon, generally says 2 weeks off of work after Lap RNY. I could have
gone back sooner but enjoyed the little break.
Amy
— Radgalut
August 30, 2008
I know someone who had surgery 3 weeks before me (lap RNY). Her job was
organizing a new surgery center and was very demanding. She had surgery on
Monday and went back to work by the end of the week. She literally hit the
ground running. Each individual is different, but it is possible. I did
the same thing after my lap RNY and I am 66 years old. I was like a new
person. My energy level was through the roof and although I am retired, I
could have been back on the job if I had been working. Good luck!
— ShirleyF
August 31, 2008
everyone is different!! always keep that in mind :) i went back to a
physical job doing physical restraints on people in 18 days from open rny
-- my husband is an electrician and he went back in 6 weeks -- everyone is
different :) good luck
— RCassety
August 31, 2008
Everybody's different. After lap rny I was back to work after 1-1/2 weeks,
but then worked half days for a week. Tried full time the next couple
weeks, but was overtired and took a day off each of those weeks, so 3/4
days would have worked better for me.
— Susan C.
August 31, 2008
I was 5'8" 264lbs the day of surgery. That was on a Thursday and I
went back to work that Monday (desk job). I was fine. However, if I had it
do over again I would have taken a week or two off just to heal, relax and
adjust. I am 13 mos post op and have lost 101 lbs..
— Deanne B.
August 31, 2008
I was 38 when I had my surgery 2 years ago. I took off 5 weeks, came back
to work for two weeks, then took another 6 weeks for another surgery. I
technically could have come back and been OK after a week or two...but had
so much use-or-lose annual leave that I took it and enjoyed my time off.
If you don't have that option, I think you'd be fine returning to a non
physical job. One of the pp advised re having to mix your various
foods/drinks etc. I think you can manage it as long as you plan
ahead...mix/puree your soft foods at home and put them in some very small
containers. Bring your pre-mixed protein drinks, or powders and bottles,
with you so you are ready to drink/eat at the appropriate times. The one
thing I'd tell you is to not get too busy to eat/drink on schedule, because
your energy will fall to the basement in the blink of an eye if you're not
getting the protein you need. Keep water on your desk with a straw if
necessary and just keep drinking. On the phone? Drink while talking?
Typing and stopping to think or review papers? drink...drink...drink.
Good luck.
— Hollywog
September 1, 2008
I am (was) about your size, and had lap RNY 3 1/2 weeks ago. I am an RN in
ICU/Telemetry and am back to work today. When they send you home, they
don't give you any lifting restrictions, and as far as driving, they just
want you off narcotics before driving. Good luck to you!
— penneynurse
September 1, 2008
I think you should be good to go in 2 weeks...I was back to normal in 3
days but i was carefull with lifting heavy thing (i have twins and that
time they were little over a year so..) and you have to be too...And
everything depends on the way your new stomack will work..I never vomit or
got sick so that was a plus for me tooo......So good luck and stay strong
cozz you are doing the good thing
— aleks1381
September 3, 2008
I had my bypass surgery on July 30th and was back at work on August 11th.
Didn't always make it through the entire day those first few days because
my stamina wasn't all there but didn't feel poorly - just a bit tired.
Honestly I would have waited a few more days if I could have but didn't and
so far so good. Good luck!
— dnefews
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