Question:
How long were you off of work for your hernia repair?

I looked in the database and didn't seem to find anything like this question. I had my RNY in February of this year. I was off work for 6 weeks. I developed gallstones in May and had my gallbladder removed in July, I was off 4 weeks for that. Now I have developed a hernia. I see the surgeon today and I may be able to wait on the repair, but it's rather large and I'm concerned. I only have 2 weeks left this year of FMLA coverage. If I have to have my hernia repair before February, I won't be able to be off work for more than 2 weeks. For those of you who have had a hernia repair all by itself (without TT or any other kind of surgery), how long were you off work?    — Janet S. (posted on September 18, 2003)

September 18, 2003
I had nine incisional hernias repaired and a tummy tuck in February. I was out of work for two weeks.
   — Patty_Butler

September 18, 2003
Ok, so I know you wanted to hear from only those who had a hernia repaired, but I'm answering anyway.:-) I had a large hernia repaired along with TT in July. I developed a large seroma in the area where the hernia was repaired as well as an infection that lasted 8 weeks in the TT area. The worst pain that I was experiencing was in the Hernia area. With all that said, I only took 1 week off from work, and that week I was still actually working from home. That first week back was a little rough, and I usually went home a few hours early. Within 4 weeks of the surgery I went on an 1700 mile vacation (1-Way) with my 10 month old chubby grandson lugging him around Yellowstone Park. The recovery was rapid and noticable daily, although at 2.5 months out, it still hurts a little to cough or sneeze.
   — Sabra_D

September 18, 2003
I, too, had a hernia repair with tummy tuck 4 weeks ago. I went back to work after 2 1/2 weeks. I have been told not to lift anything over 5 pounds for 6 weeks and I have a desk job so I don't have a problem with having anything to lift. I know you wanted to hear from hernia repair people without tummy tucks but alot of people get tummy tucks with hernia repair. Anyway, I went back to work after 2 1/2 weeks so I would ask your doctor but I would think you need 2 1/2 to 3 weeks to be off.
   — Judy W.

September 18, 2003
I had a hernia repair without a tummy tuck in July and was off for 4 weeks. I was ready to go back in 3. The first week was very painful and I had to stay on pain pills 24/7. The second week I still had pain but was able to tolerate it. I had no complications at all, but could not imagine going back after only 2 weeks. Sorry, I know that isn't what you wanted to hear. :)
   — joeandteri

September 19, 2003
Original Poster here... I saw the surgeon yesterday and he said I can probably wait to have the hernia repair. I guess a smaller hernia actually ends up with more complications than a larger one. Mine is really big and so the muscle is unlikely to close on any portion of the intestine. So unless I have any complications I am okay to wait. Thanks for all of your answers. I have a ways to go to get to goal and a TT, so maybe it can wait until then. In the meantime, I'll keep nurturing my alien love child (it looks like I'm giving birth to an alien, a'la Sigourney Weaver).
   — Janet S.