Question:
Returning to work

Can anyone give me any idea as to how long the hospital stay and time off from work is after a lapriscopic surgery such as the rny.    — dave B. (posted on October 18, 2002)

October 18, 2002
It really depends alot on you and if you have had any complications. I went in for Lap that had to be converted to an open procdure. I thought I was ready to return to work after 2 weeks, but when I tried, it was too much and took off another 2 weeks. good luck
   — barbara A.

October 18, 2002
your dr.should have answered this question for you already. my dr.s standard is six to eight weeks. this time off should be covered by state disabilaty.
   — kimberly T.

October 18, 2002
It depends on the type of surgery and the type of work you do. I have a desk job (though I have to get up semi-often). I had lap rny and returned to work after 12 days. I work 12 hour shifts (6pm til 6am) and was VERY concerned that I was going back too soon, but it actually helped me by making me get more active....Good luck to you!
   — karmiausnic

October 18, 2002
It depends on what kind of job you have. I have an office job so it was easy. I had lap rny in May. I was shopping at the mall within 5 days. Working from my laptop at home within 7 days and back to work fulltime within 14 days. I felt good enough that this was no problem.
   — Linda A.

October 19, 2002
I had lap RNY on a Friday and went back to work Monday morning.. I missed 1 day of work....(office/desk type job) Didn't tell anybody about WLS...nobody even noticed I didn't feel too whippy. I guess I am a great actress....
   — lee J.

October 19, 2002
I had my surgery on Friday and returned on Monday two weeks later, so I took off two weeks and one day. Honestly though, I felt I could have returned after one week out, but two weeks seemed to the minimum for most people so I wanted to be careful. I was driving and shopping by the end of the first week after surgery.
   — sandsonik