Question:
I would like to know how soon those of you who had a lap RNY got back to work?
I am trying to guestimate how long I will need to be out, my job requires a lot of prep to leave for any amount of time. Anyone who has had a lab RNY I would really appreciate your input. Thanks — Sarah S. (posted on January 29, 2003)
January 29, 2003
I had my Lap RNY on a Wednesday, and went back to work the next week on
Friday. I didn't DO anything, just sat there and answered the phone, and
collected a paycheck. I didn't feel human again for about a month. If you
have a job where you are making life altering decisions, I'd wait about 3
weeks. If you are like me, and just have to shuffle papers and answer the
phone, 2 weeks might be enough. It depends. I didn't have ANY big
complications either. Take your time, and don't rush back, or you'll be
super tired when you are healing. That's no fun!
— Diana L.
January 29, 2003
I had a LAP rny and went back to work in 10 days but I also had a hernia
repair done at the same time. I felt up to going back after a week but the
doctor thought it best to wait an extra day or so. I am a sales manager
and sit at a desk all day, however. I wouldn't have been ready to go back
if I was doing physical work. Good luck to you! - Mike
— Michael N.
January 29, 2003
I am pre-op and also have a job that requires planning and timing to be
right for time off. The doctor has told me to plan on 2-3 weeks before
returning to work (office job), but that I'll be able to drive after 5
days. Remember to take into consideration that it is possible (ever so
slightly) that instead of a lap that it could turn into an open procedure.
My hope is that I'll be able to work from home half days when I get out of
the hospital, full days within 10 days and return to work at 2 weeks.
Diane
— Diane S.
January 29, 2003
I had Lap and was ready to go back to work in a week (I am a System
Analyst). I actually worked from home 1 week after surgery and then drove
to work at the end of that week. The only reason that I didn't drive to
work the week after surgery is because I had nearly an hour drive each way
and I wanted to take it easy the first week (just in case). Good Luck on
your surgery!
— Beffy W.
January 30, 2003
I went back to work (nurse for insurance company) on post op day 12. The
only requirement was that I could not be on pain medication if I drove. I
didn't use any pain med after about the 5th day.
— koogy
January 30, 2003
I had lap surgery on a Friday and went back to work Monday morning. I only
missed 1 day of work. I didn't tell anybody I was having WLS and nobody
could tell I didn't feel too whippy....I guess I was a great actress. I do
have a desk job. Nothing physical is required of me.
— lee J.
January 30, 2003
SARAH, I have a desk job and work at home, but I didnt go back for 4
weeks.Even with the Lap, I was really tired,nauseous a lot,and had diarrhea
for the first 3 weeks.I wasnt on any pain meds,but it was also stressful
just figuring out when to eat,take pills,and drink,and get exercise in.I
dont think I could have went back at a week or two...
— NANCY P.
January 30, 2003
I am a student and had to return to school 14 days postop. I only go to
school 3 days a week and have already left early once and missed a whole
day. It's mostly due to fatigue and some incision discomfort. I have
occasional bouts of nausea but not much. It's mostly the tiredness that
gets me. If I had a choice I would have stayed out at least 4 weeks.
— susanje
January 30, 2003
Hi Sara: I had the lap RNY 11/5/02. I have a desk job, but was in too much
pain to go back any sooner than 4 weeks. The Monday of the 5th week all of
a sudden I realized that the pain was gone. Yeah! The other thing that was
difficult for me was watching the clock and making sure I drank my 4oz of
protien, liquids, or meals every half hour. I'm glad I didn't have to go
back until I could be completely on regular food and eating the four to six
meals a day.
— Laurie C.
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