Question:
Can anyone give me an example of expected time out of work?
I work at a desk and only have to do minimal walking, bending, lifting, etc. I am extremely interested in having Gastric Bypass SUrgery, and the one thing I still have a question on is the time away from work. Can anyone give examples of how long it took them to go back to work? Days? Weeks? I appreciate your help! =0) — Brandy W. (posted on March 5, 2001)
March 5, 2001
I had the procedure done LAP and was back to work 2 weeks after my
discharge. The first week was a little tiring -by the second week I was
back up to my 10 hour days.
— Anna B.
March 5, 2001
I had Lap RNY on Monday Feb 12th, discharged Tuesdsay, and seriously
contemplated going into work on that Friday. I felt great, on no pain meds
and not tired at all. I did, however have a JP drain in which got a little
uncomfortable, so I decided to wait until Tuesdsay the 20th (Monday was a
holiday) to go back. So - I was back in 8 days!
— T.L. S.
March 5, 2001
I had open RNY surgery on Aug. 31st and was back to work half time on Sept.
18th. I was back to full time by Oct. 1st. I work in an office and don't do
any lifting or extending standing. My boss was very understanding - if I
got tired and needed to go home he said go.
— georgiacarol
March 5, 2001
I had open RNY on February 13 and was back to work on February 26. I must
admit that when I get home at night I am dead tired.. and today I have
accomplished NOTHING ;) I was bored at home.. at least here I have someone
to talk to:)
— audra H.
March 5, 2001
I was off for 1 day less than 3 weeks. I started back at 35 hours and I
was tired at the end of the day. I do medical transcription so I have a
sit down job too. At the time of my surgery, I weighed 437 and was not
very physically active to begin with. Three weeks was ample for me other
than just being a little tired.
— Diane C.
March 5, 2001
Hi and welcome. I was out for 6 weeks and I also have a desk job. I was
concern about this because so many other's here was returning back to work
alot sooner than I was. I just didnt have the energy and had chills alot
and I couldnt put 2-3 days together to say wow I feel good. I asked my
doctor this and he told me some patient just needs a little longer that
this is major surgery. I have never had surgery before (Other than a kid
and had my tonsels out.) But you know I am glad I took the extra time off
and not pushed myself too soon. Also after 39 years of INHALING and
WOLFING down my food, it gave me a little more time to LEARN and TEACH
myself to eat SLOW and CHEW,CHEW,CHEW. I am in my 2nd week back to work
and I feel great now walking and trying to get exercise in. Hang in there
and remember each and every recovery time is different. I wish you well on
your Journey of your new life ahead.
God Bless you
DREAMS DO COME TRUE FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVES
Jay Biller
— jay B.
March 5, 2001
If you have open surgery, vs. laproscopic, you'll need more time to
recover. Some laproscopic patients report going back to work in a few
days, but some of them forget about the amount of cutting and
sewing/stapling that took place inside them is equal to what takes place
inside of open surgery patients. They still must keep in mind that they
cannot lift over 10 pounds or vacuum or shovel or such for 8 weeks to allow
for good internal healing to take place. Also, this surgery is extremely
stressful for our bodies and we need to let our bodies use whatever energy
it has to heal, not do work. So, in the best interest of our health, it is
best to take time to heal and not try to race back to work. With open
surgery and a sit-down job, you probably want to be off at least a month,
then see how you feel and go back to 1/2 days at first. You'll probably
need a nap every day at that point too. Listen to your body and plan ahead
so you can do this. I wish you the best.
— Cindy H.
March 5, 2001
I had Lap RNY on 12/5/00 and I went back to work on 12/16/00. I also have
a desk job and I probably could have went back a little sooner, but I was
enjoying my time off.
— Angela E.
March 5, 2001
I had an open rny and returned to work 10 days after the procedure. I did
however end up going home early for 3-4 days. I am a receptionist but
spend most of my time on my feet. I would recommend that you take more
than 10 days off. I did ok but could have used another week.
— Paula G.
March 5, 2001
Thank you all for your kind words and inspiration! =0) Hopefully my boss
will be as understanding. Wish me luck! God Bless
— Brandy W.
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