Question:
What is the shortest length of time anyone has had to take off of work?

I was just trying to get some kind of idea on what time frame i am looking at. I only have 8 sick days and a week of vacation left. Anyone gone back to work after only 2 weeks or so? Yeah, i know.......dont rush it...    — Robert L. (posted on July 25, 2002)

July 25, 2002
I went back to work 1 week after my surgery. I was able to do things at my own pace thanks to a great boss. I did have to miss a couple of days for some strong pains about 2 weeks later but was right back to work after that.
   — lablady_29

July 25, 2002
After open RNY, spent 1 week in hosp, 1 week recouping at home and was back to work beginning of the third week. I was very tired, but I couldn't STAND being at home anymore!
   — Rosario T.

July 25, 2002
I went back to work after one week. I work for a small company that does not offer short term disability and the one week of vacation that I had was used for my surgery. It was actually better for my recovery to get back to work and get back into my routine. 6 months post op, down 104 lbs. Best of luck!!
   — Jennifer C.

July 25, 2002
I think the bigger question here is whether you're having Lap or Open surgery. Mine was Lap, and I was back to work in 1 week with no problems, and actually, had it not been for a bothersome JP drain I had in, I would have gone back in 4 days. Best wishes.
   — T.L. S.

July 25, 2002
open RNY 7/1/02, back to work 7/15. Too much energy to stay home. I did have the option of working shorter days the first week, but didn't need to. Do what you feel you can. And remember, your brain is the most powerful tool you have; if you MUST go back to work, you will be able to. I was in that position, and it worked fine
   — Karen N.

July 25, 2002
I had an open RNY, spent 2 days post-op in the hospital and returned to work in 2 weeks. If you have a lap it could take a shorter amount of time.
   — Brian G.

July 25, 2002
I went back part time in just over a week. Primarily from boredom. Although I took at easy for nearly a month.
   — bob-haller

July 25, 2002
I had an open RNY, was in the hopital for 5 days, then stayed home the following week. I went back to work 1/2 days the next week, 3/4 days the next, then full time the next. I'm an accountant so I sit at a desk all day. I also had very little pain and no complications. Don't rush it, but try and get back into your routine as quick as you feel comfortable. I found that this really helped me feel "normal" again. Good luck!
   — Jennifer N.

July 25, 2002
This depends on the type of work you do! I was told 3-4 weeks for a lap RNY. I had stenosis so it became six weeks. I was back two days and had to go home early because the stenosis returned. Today they opened me up with the endoscopy balloon. My boss was very supportive. And, my timing was perfect because those on medical leave can't just be fired right away. Returning to work I found we all have to interview and apply for our existing jobs! So, I took my leave at the right time and instead of being stressed out I am now getting healthy. To top it all off, being thinner makes me come across better to the clients and sets the stage for a promotion! Summary...if you lift lumber you better wait before returning to work. If you consult it can be as little as 3 weeks. And I admit to sneaking in and doing a little side work at week two.... but officially I was not there. Good luck.
   — Thomas M.

July 25, 2002
I went back to work 18 days after my Lap RNY. I could have gone back earlier, but I wanted a little time to enjoy my "vacation"!
   — Ali W.

July 25, 2002
My open rny was 6/20, I returned to work on 7/10 full time, 2 days shy of 3 weeks off. Anyhow, my surgeon was on vacation during the first week of July otherwise I could have returned then. It all depends on how good you feel, and how you are doing. My surgeon said that he has had people go back to work a week after surgery. I have a desk job, so I'm sure I could have gone back 10 days post op. My short term disability coverage has a 7 day elimination period before they pay, you should check with human resources, I only had to cover 7 days, the rest I got std for.
   — stacjean

July 25, 2002
I returned to work after 2 weeks, for full-time (9 hours a day). My open RNY was July 8 and I was in the hospital for 3.5 days. I got myself up and moving as much as possible and by day 6 I was walking slowly around the block. The more you get up and get moving, the quicker you will return to work. I started back to work this past Monday, and although I am tired when I get home and go to bed by 9pm at night so far this week, it is worth it to get back to work. Good Luck!
   — Amanda R.

July 25, 2002
I had my lap surgery done on a Tuesday, got released from the hospital on Friday (they thought I had a leak, but didn't) and went back to work that Monday. Worked 1/2 day on Monday and back to full time, 8 hours a day after that. It was hard, but the sooner you get back to doing your normal things, the better you will feel ~ atleast that is how it was for me! It was 22weeks post op for me on Tuesday of this week, and I am down 92#'s and feeling great. You will know if you are pushing it too much, listen to your body, that is the best guide. Good luck!
   — Terri B.

July 25, 2002
I had my surgery on 7/2/02. I went back to work on 7/10.... I took 7/11 off... went back to work on 7/12. 7/13 and 7/14 was the weekend... I've been back to work full time, every day since 7/15/02.
   — Valerie H.

July 25, 2002
I returned to a full-time office position eight days post-op lap RNY.....no problems other than a little more fatigue than usual, but early bedtimes took care of that. My daughter returned to teaching pre-school full-time fourteen days post-op lap RNY....again no problems. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

July 26, 2002
Robert, I went back to work 13 days after surgery. I tried for the first week to keep it to 2 or 3 hours a day, but I never made it. I was at work anywhere from 5 to 8 hours each day. The only problem was being tired. I found wanting to put my head down on my desk a few times, but otherwise, did just fine. My job is primarily computer and shuffling papers though, nothing too strenous. Hope this helps! Oh, by the way, this was after open RNY, not lap.
   — Jeanne G.

July 26, 2002
I had a LAP RNY done in April 02. I could have gone back to work after 5 or 6 days bacause I felt up to it, but my doctor asked me to wait a full week. You don't say which procedure you're having done or what type of work you do but those factors are very important in determining when you can go back. I have a desk job, so I'm sitting all day anyway. Good luck to you.
   — Michael N.

July 26, 2002
My advice..always plan for the unexpected! I had my LAP RNY on a Wed (April 24), they found a leak on Thurs and went back in for surgery that day. I was in the hospital until Sunday afternoon and was wiped out to say the least. I went back to work May 13th. Thank God for telecommunting because I could only drag myself into the office a couple of days a week for the first 3 weeks. I had planned on being back in the office June 6th.
   — pam29922

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