Question:
How fast will a 25 year old recover?

I would like to hear from anyone 20-30 who has had any of the procedures performed. How fast was your recovery time? I am especially interested in hearing from those who had a laproscopic procedure. I am considering surgery, but it will be difficult for me to take more than two weeks off of work. Thanks for any input!    — Kelley B. (posted on August 31, 1999)

August 31, 1999
Hi, I had an open RNY on July 20th of this year, I have had no trouble what-so-ever. After two weeks, I was well enough that I could have went back to work. I work in an office. However, I took extra time of and did things with my kids before they went back to school. Recovery time for any procedure varies from person to person, the important thing to remember is to get up and walk as quickly after surgery as possible, then walk alot!!!
   — Julie M.

August 31, 1999
I had my surgery (open RYN) on a Thursday, was out of the hospital on Sunday, stayed out from work the following week, and then went back to work the following Tuesday. In other words from the day of surgery to returning back to work was 12 days. Because my energy level was so low, I may have been pushing it, but it was definitely doable.
   — [Anonymous]

September 1, 1999
I am 23 years old and had the open RNY about 9 weeks ago. I had the surgery on a Monday morning and left the hospital on a Friday. I did take the recommened 6 weeks off of work. I feel that I could have went back after around 4, but definitly not any sooner than that. I would also let you know that you will surely need that time to recover and get used to your "new" stomach. I thought everything was wonderful and I pushed it too hard, ended up back in hospital...not to scare you, but I firmly believe you should take the time off that your doctor recommends. Even though the recovery with the lap is supposedly a bit easier, I would recommend looking into the open procedure. From the research I have done, it only seems logical that a surgeon can do his or her best work when they can see what they are doing live, not on a monitor. Good luck to you!
   — anne H.

September 1, 1999
I am 27 years old. I went in for Open RNY surgery on a tuesday morning, left friday afternoon. Spent the next several days sleeping but after i was home for 5 days, felt pretty much back to normal. I took another week off of work just for good measure, but I probably could have gone back after being home 1 week. I spent 3 weeks away from work, but could have only spent 2 if I wanted to.
   — pwesterv