Question:
Open RNY - When did you return to work

I am 3 weeks post-op and planning on going back to work in one week. I have a 1 hr drive to and from work. Any suggestions on how to make it thru a 10 hr day, or possibly doing part-time at first, foods to take to work, etc. would be appreciated. I'm really feeling good but still take a nap in afternoon.    — AJC750 (posted on April 23, 2002)

April 23, 2002
I had open RNY and I work part time in a law office. I was planning to return after 10 days but it didnt happen, I was out 5 weeks with setbacks such as dehydration, UTI and pneumonia. I felt like total crap for 4 weeks but the day I went back to work it just turned around so fast for me, going back is a good thing to get you up and about. Now at 13 weeks post op and down 82 pounds I feel wonderful, I am full of energy, I go all day long from 6am to 10pm, running a household, taking care of a husband and a teenager and a doggie too! It gets easier every day so when you feel strong enough to go back, do it. God Bless you and Good Luck!
   — donnalawbabe

April 23, 2002
I went back to work at 4 weeks. I also have an hour commute one way. I probably could have gone back sooner, but was enjoying my time off.
   — RebeccaP

April 23, 2002
i returned to work part time after 12 weeks. couldn't afford to be off that long but had circumstances which necessitated it. now five months out i still tire very easily. i too, had a one hour drive so i changed jobs. good luck.
   — purdue_1993

April 24, 2002
I too went back to work after only 2 weeks. I am a teacher and the days were kinda long but I was really bored at home. I had no problems or complications at all. i was out of the hospital in one day with open RNY. I thank God everyday that this has been as easy as it has been. And pray it continues. So far I have lost 42lbs in 6 weeks. Good Luck to all!
   — Dianna R.

April 24, 2002
guess i am part of the small %...but 12 weeks post op---open surgery and i still feel like SHI++++++++++++T....I do not plan to go back to work until 7/11....and I feel i need the time off...lost 60 lbs.... but extremely tired and sore and gas and throwing up all the time...I am normally a very strong person with several major surgerys in the past and this one has knocked me out completely....I am 45 yrs old and feel like I'm 80...good luck...take your time...you only live once...and they are not going to put a return date to work on your gravestone....so DO NOT BE A HERO !!!!
   — irene B.

April 24, 2002
I started back to work part time, just a few hours at a time, at my desk job after two weeks & built up the hours gradually over the next couple weeks. I was well back to full time hours, albeit sometimes with an afternoon rest by four weeks post.
   — Kathy W.