Question:
I am having the open RNY very soon and wanted to know when I can return to work.

I work full time in a Child care center with 14 two year olds, my job includes lifting, bending, running, etc. all day long pretty much non stop, causing me to be on my feet lifting and bending constantly. I haven't really seen this specific question and was wondering if any had any kind of idea how long.    — brandilw (posted on June 9, 2003)

June 9, 2003
My lifting restrictions were not lifted until I was two months post-op. Before that, nothing more than 5-10 pounds. It's also going to be hard for you to have the amount of energy early on to keep up with those toddlers...JR
   — John Rushton

June 9, 2003
Scince you have a job that requires strenuous work it will propably be about six weeks before you can return to work.
   — Justin F.

June 9, 2003
Your doctor will tell you what your going back to work and lifting restrictions will be. I maybe wrong but don't some 2 yr olds weigh around 20# or more? You may want to stay out longer than 2 wks because you are going to tire quickly and it sounds like you are in charge of a group of lively youngsters. For me I have a restriction of 8 wks for lifing no more than 20#. And I was given the ok to go back to work after 2 wks, but I choose to stay out 3 1/2 wks. Open RNY May 7, 2003.
   — ChristineB

June 9, 2003
With open RNY and the activity level you will be exposed to, I'd say wait the 6 weeks. Surely talk about this with your surgeon. I was sooooooo tired for the first couple of weeks and my concentration level didn't seem all that good. I couldn't even concentrate enough to spend any great lengths on the computer. I couldn't read either. I think I was starving to death! lol I was on clear liquids for the first week, then on to full liquids for two weeks. It wasn't until I was able to eat a scrambled egg and/or cooked cereal that I was able to get back on track. Do be very careful of lifting. Good luck to you. (Open RNY 10/30/02 and down 158 lbs)
   — Ginger M.

June 9, 2003
I had the open RNY done on 4/18/03 and I went back to my desk job in 3 1/2 weeks. My doc about fell off the stool when I said I wanted to go back at 2 weeks so he made me wait another week then I asked him again. He didn't really want me to but what I do at work wasn't much different than what I did at home. I would say that you might be looking at 6 to 8 weeks off work, really depends on your recovery and your doctors opinion. I was pretty out of it for the first 2 weeks after surgery. Good luck to you, hope all goes well with you. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or problems.
   — Kim J.

June 9, 2003
Thank you all for your responses. Ginger, to answer your question, yes a good chunk weigh in around 30lbs! I even have a few special needs children that require alot of lifting and assistance, and one of them weighs more than my 5 year old! It sounds like it is just as I feared, that it is gonna be a long time.
   — brandilw