Question:
How much time off work did you need after WLS open surgery?
I am having open surgery and I work a desk job. My husband thinks I will need more time off. How much time off is reasonable? — [Deactivated Member] (posted on February 25, 2002)
February 25, 2002
I had open RNY surgery and was back to work at a desk-type job at three
weeks working part-time or the first two weeks and then regular. Of course,
everyone's recovery varies, but read the library section of this website to
read more about various "back-to-work" times. Good luck!
— Molly S.
February 25, 2002
I had open RNY last February. I had alot of vacation time saved up so I
tood an entire month. Six weeks is not unusual. However, since I just sit
on my butt all day at a computer I really think that 3 weeks would have
been fine. It really depends on what kind of job you have.
— Meredith A.
February 25, 2002
I took 6 weeks off and wish that I had taken more. I started a new job
that was not physically demanding but it was very difficult for me to
absorb so much new information and to feel confident that I was
"getting" everything that I needed to know. If you can take more
time do so. Once you return to work most people expect you to function at
a normal pace. Good luck, Kathy
— kathleen S.
February 25, 2002
I had open RNY on 12/28 and was released to return to work 13 days after
surgery (the same day I had my staples removed). My work is not physical
but it isn't sitting behind a desk -- I am frequently on my feet for hours
at a time without a break. I'm not going to lie and say it was easy -- it
was VERY difficult. But my surgeon had released me and my company's
disability policy doesn't pay once you've been released. So I stuck it out
and kept working. Personally, if you have the choice, I'd say 3 weeks
would be about right. Good luck.
— Pam S.
February 25, 2002
I had my surgery on 1/16/02 and went back to work at my desk job 3.5 weeks
later on 2/11/02. It would have been hard to go back any sooner than that.
But after 3.5 weeks, I was just fine. Good luck to you!
— Michelle I.
February 25, 2002
I was back at work with 4! You should do just fine.
— Kary H.
February 25, 2002
After reading all these answers I am afraid to say how long it took me. I
must be the slowest one to recover from my surgery!! I had planned on
taking off 3 months or longer with pay. For the first 5 weeks were rough
on me so I stayed pretty much in bed. Now approaching the 10th week out I
am much better. My job can be very physical and or very dangerous, so I
have to be 100% when I return to work. I think it depends on the kind of
work or career your in and if you can take time off.
— Laura G.
February 25, 2002
I was back at work exactly 14 days after I had the surgery. I won't lie to
you and tell you I wasn't exhausted at the end of the day, and I went in to
work planning on leaving early every day, but I didn't. I think I got
better faster this way than if I had sat around at home longer. I have
basically a desk job. Also, my fiance drove me to work for the first week
or so. I would, however, not recommend going to work until at least a week
after you've taken your last pain pill, because those things affect your
judgement more than you think! Good luck to you
— Monica H.
February 26, 2002
I came back to work last week I was off for 4 weeks. My hubby thought I
should hav been off longer but to tell you the truth I was starting to go
nuts at home. I work for a Dr. and it can get really busy somedays.
— Lisa S.
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