Question:
HOW SOON CAN YOU RETURN TO WORK AFTER LAP?
— ANN M. (posted on March 4, 2003)
March 4, 2003
Ann - I am still pre-op, but I went to my doctor for pre-op labs today and
that was one of the questions I asked! I was told that I shouldn't plan on
sooner than 4 weeks.
— Allee Z.
March 4, 2003
I went back about a week and a half later. I have a sit down job, and
didn't really have to DO anything except sit there. If you have a demanding
job where you have to move around a lot, you'll probably need 3-4 weeks.
— Diana L.
March 4, 2003
I took two weeks of vacation time but I could have gone back after the
first week.
— jerzeygirl71
March 4, 2003
I had my LAP RNY on 2/18. I am planning to go back to work this coming
Monday.
— Fixnmyself
March 4, 2003
I really think this depends on you and your situation, your surgery etc. I
really don't think that anyone can answer for you. I took 2 weeks but
could have used at least 4. Other people are running around the next week.
Your mileage may vary. My suggestion is to take off as much time as you
can.
— susanje
March 4, 2003
I walked 1.3 miles one week post op and returned to work at about a week
and a half out from boredom.I worked part time and took it easy. At nearly
one month I was busy delivering stuff and moved about 10,000 pounds of
stuff in 20 pound packages. Do follow your docs orders and keep a positive
attitude, that helps a lot.
— bob-haller
March 4, 2003
My dr says that I will be out for about 4 weeks.
— Pookie B.
March 4, 2003
After our lap RNYs, I returned to a full-time office position in 8 days,
and my daughter returned to teaching pre-school in 14 days. We had no
problems except a slightly higher degree of fatigue than usual at the end
of the day. Our surgeon told us that we could return to work (and driving)
when we were no longer taking pain medications and when we personally felt
well enough to do so. He also cautions his patients against lifting more
than 15 pounds for the first six weeks. Everyone recuperates at a
different rate, and has different levels of pain tolerance. Just listen to
your body and don't overdo unnecessarily. Best wishes!
— Diana T.
March 4, 2003
I went back in just over 2 weeks. I wanted to go back sooner but I was
still too dizzy and weak to do so. I was glad to take the few extra days to
get myself together with and back into a routine. I was not overly tired at
work either so I believe I picked just the right amount of time. Do what
your body tells you. You'll be able to tell if you can get yourself
showered, dressed, etc. and to work and be able to make it through the
workday. Good luck!
— Dee ,.
March 4, 2003
I had lap surgery on a Friday and went back to work Monday morning. I only
missed 1 day of work. I told no one I was having WLS and nobody could tell
I didn't feel very good. I have an office job.
— lee J.
March 5, 2003
Anne, Susan Elliott is right in that you should take off all the time you
can get. You never know if a complication will occur or how you will
recover. There are a lucky few that seem to bounce very quickly and poof!,
they are back at work in days. I had a complication 5 days after lap that
required a 2nd open surgery and needed every bit of the next month off.
Better to plan for the worst and be pleasantly surprised when you bounce
quickly!
— Cindy R.
Click Here to Return