Question:
How much time off from work do you think I should plan for?

I will be having OPEN RNY sometime this year, I know doc said to plan for as much time off as needed....how much time off did you have as an OPEN RNY person? (Just a note I only took off 1 1/2 weeks off for gallbladder removal about 3 years ago).    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 3, 2002)

February 3, 2002
I had open RNY November 29 and was released to go back to work December 11. I didn't actually go back til December 18 because I was out of town and had to wait til someone could come on the weekend to bring me home. But - I could have easily gone back to work on the 12th. That would have been 2 weeks post-op. Do you have a sedentary job? If you have to do any lifting that could be a problem. Otherwise, barring complications, I don't see why you would need to take more than two or three weeks.
   — Patty_Butler

February 3, 2002
I personally would stretch it out as long as possible and that's what I did. Even tho I could have gone back after two weeks easily with Lap RNY, I took an entire month off. I recovered at my daughter's house. It turned into a recovery/vacation thing, time totally away from work to get refreshed and after working for 25 years, I felt I deserved that. It was time for ME to stop and take care of ME. The job was there waiting for me when I got back. And after being back for one day, it was like I never left. Just take care of YOU -- no matter how long it takes.
   — Annie H.

February 4, 2002
I had open RNY and was off two full weeks and went back to work 1/2 days the third week (actually 6 hrs a day). I could've stayed the full day. I have desk job as well. I think it's different for everyone. If you are good at managing your pain or know you don't experience a lot of pain, then I think two weeks is fine. I didn't experience hardly any pain after I left the hospital.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 4, 2002
I took 3 1/2 weeks off (surgery was a Friday). I had a Lap RNY and I had alot of pain the first 3 weeks. I didnt really start feeling like myself until about 4 weeks. If you can get the time off (or afford it) I'd recommend taking it. If not, just listen to your body.
   — Terri H.