Question:
Having open RNY, Dr. says in 2 weeks I will be able to work?

I have an office job and no real lifting, but that seems rather soon to me for having a open surgery. My wife was off for 6 weeks (different surgeon) but she did moderate lifting of books at a library. Does 2 weeks sound reasonable or should I try to see if he will sign me off for longer. (Surgery Mar. 4)    — Dell H. (posted on January 24, 2002)

January 23, 2002
Hi, I am three weeks post from my Open. I am not working , but I was able to do all my normal stuff by my second week with no problem. I was driving my car on the second week. The only thing I noticed is I would get tried. I am a housewife and I have a three year old son that I have to care for alone because my husband is at sea. So in that case I am at work, but it is still not the same as getting up and a day started. My suggestion is to see about having some flex hours where you can take longer breaks or go home early if needed. I wish I was working out of the home right now. It would be easier not thinking about food. Well GOOD LUCK
   — christie K.

January 23, 2002
I am 1 week postop and my Doctor had said the same thing but right now I can't imagine going back to work in a week I already told my supervisior that I may be off longer. When I do go back I'm going to ask to work half days the first week because I rushed back to work after gall bladder surgery and remember how hard it was to work the whole day that first week. I too have a desk job.
   — Candace F.

January 23, 2002
My doctor told me the same thing. I am not sure why they say this. I had no complications and I was off for about 5 weeks. I think he would have sent me back sooner, but since it was the holidays he pushed it out some. The Dr. will work with you, they should not release you if you are still taking pain medication or having problems with your new diet.
   — Kathy P.

January 23, 2002
I returned to work in two weeks because of the financial necessity. I was tired, but sit at a desk working at a computer all day. I was able to work full work days and have been working steadily now for the past two weeks. I brought a bed pillow with me to use between me and my desk and that was very comfortable. I did have open rny on December 21, 2001 and returned to work on January 7th 2002. I have a part-time job at Home Depot and am still off from that job, don't want to open my incision area with lifting. I'm a cashier and feel ready now to try to get back into the swing of things. Good luck, I'm sure you will be fine. If you can't handle it, stay home, otherwise, go for it.
   — laflagal

January 24, 2002
I had Open RNY November 29 and was released to drive and return to work December 11. I returned to work full time and have had no problems at all. The first couple of weeks, I would take a nap as soon as I got home, but I don't even do that anymore. If you have a desk job without lifting, I don't think it should be a problem unless you have complications. I have read of people who take 6 or even 8 weeks off and I know I would have gone nuts. Good luck with your surgery.
   — Patty_Butler

January 24, 2002
I had an Open RNY on 11/19/01 and was back to work 11/26, a week later. However I did have a very positive attitude. I refused to give into the pain, I quit taking pain meds the day I got home and walked every hour, I think this gave me a lot of the strength I needed to go back to work. The one thing I did notice though, was that if I didn't walk at least once an hour for a few minutes, the pain would start, I think it was from sitting still for so long, but once I walked it would go away. I had planned on going back after Xmas, but felt fine and was anxious to get back. The company even gave me a laptop so I could work at home if I wanted, but home was so boring I would rather have been at work, so I went back! Everyone is different though, so just see how you feel and make a decision then! I would have him write it for a bit longer, so if you don't feel well enough to go back you have that option. I hope everything works out. Good luck on your surgery!
   — [Anonymous]

February 1, 2002
My Dr. let me decide at my 2 week checkup. He had given me a note initially that said said return date would be decided at 2 week checkup. I'm still weak so I decided to take an extra week off and then return for a week of half days he would have been willing to give me more time but I'm getting stronger every day so I think it will be adequate.
   — Candace F.