Question:
How much time off from work was needed for both open and lap surgeries?

   — Paulette W. (posted on June 20, 2001)

June 20, 2001
I'm 4 weeks post op as of today from an open VBG and I feel like I probably could have handled going back to work at my desk job at least part time as of last week. My surgeon put me on full disability for 6 weeks, I was approved at work for the 6 weeks, and I could afford to stay out that long so that is what I plan to do. Everyone's recovery time is different, and I wish you the best.
   — Erin F.

June 20, 2001
I had open Rny and gall bladder removed - was back to work in 14 days. Worked 1/2 day for 3 days then full time. But remember everyones recovery is different, you are the best judge of when you are ready to resume activities. Good luck.
   — connie m

June 20, 2001
I had Lap RNY on June 8th and went back to work on June 18th, I only took one week off. I have had no problems and feel really good, but each person is different.
   — Gail M.

June 20, 2001
A lot depends on your job, a carpenter is very different from a secretary, and people heal differently too.
   — bob-haller

January 26, 2002
I work in an office at a desk. I was told that I would need 6 weeks recovery from my Open RNY. My surgeon said 4 to 6 weeks not counting the time in the hospital. I went back to work part-time at the start of week 5 (counting the week of surgery). i needed the part-time because of fatigue. I was really ready for a nice 2 hr nap when I got home after a morning of work. Everyone is different, but I can't imagine going back to work in less than 4 weeks...open or lap. It's major surgery and your body needs rest time to heal properly.
   — mary S.

January 27, 2002
Wow, i wish i would have been able to return to work as fast as everyone else. I had an open rny and I was off for 6 weeks after and went back to half days for 2 weeks and light duty for another 3 or 4.....i'm a cna in a nursing home so i couldn't lift. And even with the light duty i ended up calling in so many times that i was given a verbal warning for call ins........lol But, i'm now 4 and a half months out and haven't had any real problems since november. debbie
   — deborah D.

January 27, 2002
Well I was walking a mile and a half by one week post op. Worked part time a day or so later. Read my profile for my diary of post op activities. I kept a complete one so others could see what its like.LAP is better, minimizes hospital stays, incisional hernia risk near zero, less pain, etc
   — bob-haller