Question:
Has anyone had open/lap surgery with a physical job to go back to?

I am going to have wls soon, but I have a very physical job. I need to be able to lift 50lbs or more to be able to return to work. Does anyone out there have a physical job similar to mine? How long did it take before you could go back to work? Any help would be appreceiated. I am scared to death about the surgery also. I never had any kind of surgery before. I need an angel!    — sue S. (posted on August 25, 2002)

August 25, 2002
My surgeons rule was lift nothing over 20 pounds for a month if LAP. Open its at least twice as long. Thats because opens are at a great risk for hernias, 30% get at least one because the muscle wall is cut. LAPS almost never get incisional hernias. I am self employeed and cheated a bit. Went back to work part time just over a week ost op. Gee was it boring just sitting around. I lifted carefully some 80 pound machines if nevcessary. By almost a month I moved large number of 20 pound packages plus all sorts of heavy stuff just under 100 pounds. Moved maybe 48,000 pounds of stuff in a 2 or 3 week period. Unload truck, 12,000 pounds load delivery vehicle same weight, then put on cart and drag in building, then unload into pile at customers site. Repetive moving, doing the same thing right now, I sell stuff to schools, its my busy time...
   — bob-haller

August 25, 2002
I am having Open RNY soon, and it's nothing over TEN pounds for SIX weeks. I know that some people go back to work sooner, but personally, I am looking forward to some time off! I am planning on taking the full six weeks, I don't want to go back to work and be bored with paperwork that's not even a normal part of my job, so why not stay home and take care and pamper myself? Good luck to you.
   — Terri Z.

August 25, 2002
Sue, I think everyone is different in this area, but I am 7 weeks out and just returned to work last week. The first couple days weren't so bad, but I only worked 3 hours on those days. On Saturday however I worked for 8 1/2 hours and didn't lift anything heavy but was runnin my butt off and now I am so sore, especially around my belly button. I don't know if I will call into work tomorrow and tell them I can't make it or not. They are already getting irritated at the thought that I have taken 7 wks off. As for your question.....if it were me I would wait 3 or more months and get Dr. approval before lifting 50 lbs. Good Luck!
   — DRutherford

August 26, 2002
Hi Sue, I had an open RNY May 9 2002. I am also an RN who has to lift heavy patients. My doc made me stay out 8 weeks and I am glad he did. My first day back I was so totally exhausted, I slept till noon the next day! Remember, you are having MAJOR surgery and you have to let your body heal. My best to you!
   — Gina D.

August 26, 2002
Sue, I work EMS here in NYC and I don't think there is a job out there where I would have to lift anything heavier or do more physical labor. (Atleast one that I could physically get). I often carry very large patients up and down several flights of stairs on a chair or long board, climb stairs with equipment, and many other things that I would prefer not to do :) I am going back to work tomorrow (8/27) and I had Open RNY on June 6th. I will be just about 12 weeks post-op. My doctor gave me the option of staying out a bit longer than most people just b/c of my job and it's duties. I could have went back earlier (maybe 2 weeks ago), but I wanted to make sure it was 100% safe. Do what you feel is right, and listen to your doctor AND your body. My funds are VERY low, so I wanted to get this ball rolling....but I opted to wait so that I wouldn't be out of work again in a few weeks with a hernia or worse. Good luck!
   — Kelly C.