Question:
HOW LONG SHOULD I BE OUT OF WORK AFTER SURGERY

I HAVE HEARD 2 WEEKS BUT THEN I HEAR 6 WEEKS . WHAT DO YOU ALL RECOMMEND.    — RACHEL G. (posted on September 26, 2004)

September 26, 2004
It all depends on the type of surgery you have and whether it is open or lap. Also your own personal health. Some people just heal faster than others and are ready to return to work sooner. People with desk jobs can usually get back sooner than people who have more active jobs or jobs that involve lifting (that would probably be the 6 week restriction). Myself, I had open rny plus a hernia repair, I have a desk job, and I tend to heal really fast. I was back at work half-time after 2 weeks, full-time the week after that. Best wishes on your surgery.
   — LisaHillsinger

September 26, 2004
I had an open rny, my BMI was 55 --I am 5'10", was 48 years old I was back to work in two weeks. I am at my desk and drive alot and visit clients. I heal fast and tolerate pain well. I had a large hernia repair 6/11/04 and was back to work in one week.
   — debmi

September 26, 2004
I am a major wimp - I had lap RNY and was off for 6 weeks even though I have a desk job. I was very tired post op and I had the time to take off, so I took it. I could have gone back at around 4 weeks.
   — Yolanda J.

September 26, 2004
I recommand at least 6 weeks. The reason being you need to develop good eating habits. Use the 6 weeks to rest, learn to eat the correct way and exercise (walk, walk, walk at 3 times a day). I think the most important time during your recovery is to learn to eat, break all of those old eating habits. Your going to have to adjust the the emotional part of not being able to eat. This is very important. I could have returned after the 2 week but used 6 weeks of medical leave to heal phycially and emotionally. When we rush back to work to soon we get back into those old habits of eating at our desk (eating more than we should, etc.). Use this time to adjust to your new stomach. I'm 16 months post-op have lost 198 lbs. Gook Luck!
   — Linda R.

September 27, 2004
I had LAP RNY and I was out 7 days. I had no pain by then and I was well rested. Best of luck - Maggie B.
   — M B.

September 27, 2004
I'm a secretary (pretty sedentary) and was out for 3 weeks. I actually wound up trying to do too much while I was home, so I got more rest once I got back into my regular routine! Best of luck to you! :)
   — momstah

September 27, 2004
As you can see, everyone has a different experience. I am 47, and was 45 at the time of surgery. I went back to teaching after my LAP RNY after 3 weeks. I was tired, but managed. After the 4th week I was back on track.I can't speak for everyone, but I tend to think that if your surgery goes well, without any difficulties, that the fact that you have a house full of kids will kinda get you back into the swing of things more quickly. I have sort of noticed that in essence many pople "do what they gotta do". Trust me, if I had the time from work, and it wasn't going to cost me anything, AND if my family was a little more independent, I could have benefited from a little more time off. I would plan on 2-3 weeks and see how it goes. Good luck!!
   — Fixnmyself