Question:
How long after surgery will I not be able to fully function?

I have sent in everything but my mental evaluation which will hopefully be sent the end of this week or first of next. I am in a time crunch because I am a teacher and would like to get this done before I go back to work on August 5. Can anyone give me any info as to the average waiting period after paperwork has been sent in to Dr. Overcash? My insurance is BCBS. And how long before I could go back to work?    — Linda J. (posted on July 3, 2002)

July 3, 2002
I don't know about the waiting for your specific Dr, but I had the open RNY 3 weeks ago June 10, and I am already back to work. I had a really good healing experience, and I had no complications. I does depend on a lot of things though. But, it is possible to rebound quickly. You didn't say what procedure you were having on your question.
   — Ron E.

July 3, 2002
Your cutting things awfully close. You still have to get scheduled thru your doc-do you know how long his waiting list is? Some doctors have lengthy waiting lists and others short ones. But considering you are one month from returning to work, I would say, no, you haven't left yourself enough time. You will need several weeks to recoup. Some can do it in just a few weeks and others of us need longer. If you are a teacher that stands on your feet all day, I'd say give yourself a month off. It took me 6 weeks to go back to work and I needed all of it to get my strength back.
   — Cindy R.

July 3, 2002
Hi Linda, I had an open RNY and to be honest I didn't feel human for about 4 weeks and then at it took time for me to be myself again. My doc made me stay out 8 weeks. I am an RN in Labor and Delivery and I life heavy "things" which may be why he made me stay out. Please don't push yourself, you never know how you are going to feel. Best wishes!! Gina
   — Gina D.

July 5, 2002
I honestly believe that each person is individual when it comes to the issue of "feeling normal" again. I had surgery 5/28/02 and because of lack of leave, returned to work on 6/10/02 (just 2 weeks post-op). I did get tired easily and would go home most evenings and take a nap before being able to prepare supper or do anything. I am now almost 6 weeks post-op and can truly say that this past week has been a real big turning point for me. I feel so much better, have more energy and know that I am more pleasant to be around. So like the other respondents, I think give yourself at least 4 weeks. Going back to teaching is a strenous enough job and honestly, you may want to wait a little longer before tackling a classroom full of kiddos. Good luck to you!
   — Sue H.