Question:
Reasonable time to expect to be able to return to work
I will be having lap bypass soon. Assuming it does not have to be changed to open and I have no complications I am planning on return to work in about 2 weeks. I have a desk job with lots of freedom to walk when needed, to go reestroom or kitchen. So, having said that, is 2 weeks a reasonable goal for my return to the workforce?? — Kathleen F. (posted on March 26, 2009)
March 26, 2009
I am also scheduled for lap RNY in about a week. I discussed this same
question with my surgeon during my initial consultation and he agreed that
2 weeks should be fine, barring no complications. As a nurse, I have seen
many staff and colleagues have the procedure and the length of time off
requested has varied by the individual. Every person heals differently,
but I am planning on the 2 weeks as my work is sedentary. My surgeon told
me about a person who was back to work within a few days by her choice and
did pretty well with it. I personally feel the 2 weeks will give me
enough time to begin healing and adjust to the nutritional needs.
— mindyhealthseeker
March 26, 2009
Well congrads on your upcoming bypass I actually had my bypass 2 years ago
and I took off spring break week and went back fine I am a teacher aide at
an elementary school and I do alot of walking climimg stairs and did very
well i had my surgery the thursday before the spring break and went back
with everyone on the 2 following momdays!
— Shirley H.
March 26, 2009
I had mine 5 mos ago. On a Thursday and went back to work the next Monday,
so 10 days off. I felt great!!! Congrats and good luck!!! I am down 90 lbs
now!!!
— tiffaney2183
March 26, 2009
I had lap RNY and I also have a desk job. I had surgery 8/28 and was back
at my desk by 9/9. I even had a few complications in my first week post
op. You will be very tired but other than that I was fine.
— phyllismmay
March 27, 2009
Congrats on your upcoming surgery. I think 2 weeks is a great time. I had
mine Dec 12, 2008 and went back to work part time in one week, full time at
2 weeks. And I did fine, I have no complications so it was pretty easy for
me. I think the key is that I exercised from the day of surgery on. I got
out of bed within 2 hours of surgery and started walking the halls, went
home the next day and walked all around my house, then on day two I walked
a mile and have done at least that ever since. The key to a speedy
recovery is getting up and moving. Any surgeon will tell you that, so
don't wait for them to come and drag you out of bed, call your nurse and
tell him/her that you would like to get up and they will help you. It's
the best thing you can do for your recovery.
— brindledanes
March 27, 2009
I had lap/rny 2 years ago and felt so good after I wanted to go back to
work (desk job like yours) after a week. A friend scolded me and reminded
me that I had just had major surgery and needed rest to heal. She was
right. I was off 3 weeks.
— Muggs
March 27, 2009
Very individual I had lap RNY on March 9th and returned to work 12 hour
night shift on March 23rd. I then took a day off, worked a night shift,
another day off and am starting on a regular 7 nights in a row that is my
groups usual schedule tonight. I am careful to rest when I can and am
continuing my 45-minute per day aerobic walking or swimming but so far so
good. I have read about a period of fatigue between 4 and 6 weeks that hits
some people. I'm not there yet so we'll see if it happens how I do. Hope
this helps Kevin
— hapkidodoc
March 27, 2009
I was planning on going back to work in one week... but was having some
issues with drainage around my JP drain (which they leave in for 10
days)...so I didn't go in until after they pulled the drain, which was 11
days. I was a little sore from the incisions, but not too sore to work.
Like you, I have a desk job with access to kitchen, bathrooms and the like,
and a nice long hallway to walk several times per day as per doctor's
instructions. I was fine.
— Erica Alikchihoo
March 27, 2009
I had lap bypass june 30, 2008 and was back at my job at a flower shop on
July 7th...I was just fine to do all my duties(I am the sole owners and do
everything). I did leave bucket lifting and heavy basket lifting for
someone else...
I would say an office job is fine, the hardest part is to remember your
eating when you get busy and forget to eat or drink it can catch up with
you very quickly and end you up in the hospital with dehydration...
— lori042499
March 27, 2009
Hi, I had RNY March 10 and went back to work on 3/23. Feeling fine and it
is good to be back at work...keeps my mind occupied.
— amanda_g
March 27, 2009
I just had my Lap RNY in Jan 2009 and returned to work in 2 weeks. One
thing I will suggest is to return in the middle of the week so you don't
have a full week in your first week back. I have similar working conditions
as you but I found that I was still really tired after 2 weeks and by 2
o'clock was ready to go home. It took me to about 4 weeks post op to feel
stronger because remember most doctors have you on liquids after surgery
for a while also. Good luck and hopefully you will be able to return to
work as you planned.
— [Deactivated Member]
March 27, 2009
I had Lapband on 12/5 I have had no problems.....I was off for 6 weeks and
I will tell you this I was glad that I took off this much time.....When I
went back to work I ready to work a 10 hour shift with no problems........I
was not tired and I had adjusted to my new way of eating with no
problems..........I also have a desk job surrounded by people that cook all
day but I was ready I had my protein and water......please remember you may
feel great after your surgery I did I moved my elf to my bed after I got
out of recovery I was racing down the halls in the hospital no pain meds I
was not feeling any pain..........I was told not to drive until after I had
my first office visit about a week after surgery.........I wish you all the
luck
— sawwas
March 28, 2009
Yes, I had my surgery on Friday and I went back to work that following
Wednesday. I only took a week and 1/2 off, it was plenty of time. I also
have a desk job, I would advise not getting up and down alot your first day
back. I was a little sore after my first day back so just take it slow.
— Nicole Wilson
Click Here to Return