Question:
I have a physically demanding job...how much time should I arrange to take off?
My job requires that I either be totally able to perform my job (lifting, pulling, pushing, bending, reaching, standing for long periods of time, and walking long distances), or be totally off work. In other words, there's no "light duty or desk job" in my profession. I will be able to take a personal leave of absence, or FMLA if needed. I'm just curious, how much time, Lord willing with no complications, will I need to take off in order to come back 100% ready to perform all my job duties. I'm having lap RNY with my gallbladder also being removed. Thanks! — Skygirl (posted on March 6, 2007)
March 6, 2007
Hi my job also requires me to be able to push, pull, bend reach and stand I
work for CVS and every week we get truck which is totally exhausting and
strenuous I took off 3 weeks and just went back yesterday and I feel good I
had lap band surgery on 2/12 I went out on disability for the three weeks.
— MOMTOTWOSONS
March 6, 2007
Take at least 3 whole weeks, you should be fine by then.
— Beatriz A.
March 6, 2007
With also having your gallbladder removed I would go for 4 weeks to be
sure. Every doctor is different, so you would want to be at home when you
are going throught the worst part of the eating. By the 4th week, they
should release you to start eating real foods. Good luck,
— Diane C.
March 6, 2007
HEY , YOU MAY WOUNT TO TAKE A LEAST 6 WEEKS OFF ..ANY WAY YOUR DOCTOR WILL
LET YOU KNOW WEN U GO BACK TO SEE HIM ON YOUR 6 WEEK CHECK UP.. I HAD SOME
PROBLEMS WITH MY SCAR NOT HEALING ALL THE WAY.. SOME PEOPLE ARE DIFFERNT!!!
GOOD TO YOUR SUGERY REMBER TO TRY TO MOVE AROUND AS MUCH AS YOU CAN!!!
AFTER SURGERY!!! I AM 6 WEEKS OUT TODAY .
ROXANNE 320-40=280 POUNDS
— Roxanne Piligno
March 6, 2007
Cheryl,
Whatever time your surgeon states for you to be off, that is the time I'd
take. If you have sick leave take it and FMLA also provides for you to
take care of yourself due to illness and your job is suppose to be there
for you upon your return. I've never had a gallbladder removed so I don't
know if the healing process would be longer or about the same. Bottom line
-- whatever your doctor recommends that is what I'd go with. Best of luck
to you.
— the7thdean
March 6, 2007
I am 1 week post op and back at work already and I had lap. RNY and gall
removed also. I went back to work Friday night. I have a cleaning
business that requires lifting, pushing, etc. Bending over is my only real
challenge. And tonight I started with coaching my daughter's kickball team
again. My doctor told me 2 weeks but to listen to my body.
— SouthTexasKrissy
March 6, 2007
It sounds like you are in nursing. Perhaps not, but, those things you are
required to do I also had to do as an RN. Anyway, as stated here from
others, you and your surgeon should discuss this, and any restritions.
However, if you have access to a physical therapist, see if that person can
give you some pointers to help you with movement. There are lots of ways to
move that will not stress your abdominal muscles during the healing
process.
In fact, if there is time before your surgery, I had 5 months, I would
suggest getting a personal trainer at yor local gym to help you start an
exercise program now, and then after your surgery, with your docs
permission, you can restart it. I was able to do this and it really made a
difference. And when I was allowed to go back to the gym full time (1 hour
a day), it was already ahead of the game.
Good luck.
Peace, love, health, and happiness.
Dana
— Dana M.
March 6, 2007
Hi Cheryl,
I'm a nursing assistant at our local hospital and could not return light
duty. I had a lap-rny on dec 1st, 2006, along with hernia repair and
adhesions removed and a liver biopsy. My doctor at first said 6 weeks, then
changed it to 8 weeks off due to lifting restrictions. I went back on jan,
29th, 8 weeks post -op and have done fine. The extra time off was a big
help in healing and adjusting to the new lifestyle. Take your time and do
as your doctor recommends.. Take care
Cherryl
— cherrylc
March 6, 2007
Why don't you talk with your surgeon about this? You really don't want to
mess anything up. He/she is the one who is giong to know if the surgery
went as planned or if there was extra work needed that may affect the post
op time. I am an ER nurse and went back after 3weeks and did fine. But
talk to your surgeon... Congrats on your upcoming surgery... Kari
— Kari_K
March 6, 2007
First off, thank you so much for all the good advice! A couple of you
mentioned asking the surgeon, but I have only seen the surgeon once (during
the initial consultation), and don't see him again until I am approved by
my insurance company. I just wanted to see how much time (a ballpark
estimate) you guys who have physically demanding jobs took off. The real
kicker is, once I go back, my employer will consider me 100% able to do my
job, and if I have a setback or realize I'm not up to it and have to call
in sick, that's a separate incident. I only have 3 sick calls per calendar
year. FYI, I work for an airline! I think I will definately take your
advice and take as much time as needed to fully heal and get my strength
back.
— Skygirl
March 6, 2007
I had lap ryn done. I work in a office and I went back the third week. I
wasnt able to left anything over 10lbs for one month. You might want to go
ahead and take a month off and then see how you are doing and what your
doctor says.
— barfiep01
March 7, 2007
Cheryl, I didn't have all the physical demands of a job like you, but I
still took 6 weeks, and was glad I did. You have a lot to adjust to, and
you definitely don't want to cause a hernia from lifting. Talk to your
doctor. After a surgery like this you may need to be off several weeks to
fully recover. If you end up with a hernia, it is another 10 weeks of work
before lifting. Think of it as a savings in the end. You can always go
back early if you are ready and the doctor releases you, but it is harder
to get more time once you decided how long you are supposed to be out
without doctor approval and a hassle from most companies. Guess on the
long side, and go back early. It is better for your health, and that is
the real issue here. Take care, Patricia P
— Patricia P
March 7, 2007
When I had my lap RNY in 2004, I worked in a factory and we had no light
duty. I was not allowed to go back to work until my surgeon lifted all
restrictions. I was off for almost six weeks and honestly, by the time I
went back I felt fine. The first few weeks I was still really tired so I'm
glad they didn't try to send me back after three weeks. But by six weeks, I
was ready. I was actually of work for a longer period of time previously
when I had a hernia repair. As others have mentioned, your doctor should be
able to give you a recommendation for how long you should be off. But,
remember, you know your job and your body so be prepared to offer input as
well. Best wishes for health and happiness always!
— djfoz
March 8, 2007
i also feel that the surgeon will be the best person to estimate the time
off you will need, but i would take as much time as possible because you
are having major surgery and it is alot for your body to deal with. the
physical requirments of your job will only add possible complications if
you return too soon. good luck, holly
— RNlvnCARSON
March 13, 2007
Remeber, this is major surgery!!!! Discuss it with your surgeon!
— Novashannon
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