Question:
How long should I take off work after surgery?
I am trying to find out how long I should take off work after surgery. I pretty much have a desk job, and am confined to one area for the day, except for a 50 minute lunch. The doctor said at least two weeks. I am having a Laproscopic bypass. Please tell me how long you took off and whether it was enough or not. Thanks. — Mini Gadget (posted on September 21, 2003)
September 21, 2003
My friend who also has a desk job told me that she probably could have gone
back to work in one week, but she actually took two weeks off.
— Jessica P.
September 21, 2003
I also have a desk job. I had the Lay RNY. I was off 6 weeks. I found
that it made easier for me to adhere to my eating schedule and the life
style change. I also used the time to go to individual counseling, which I
found very insightful and helpful.
— S R C.
September 21, 2003
Shouldn't your physician be the judge on how long you take off from work? I
had my surgery on 8/25/03 and my physician informed my employer I'd be off
from work. I had to have my physician state this so my employer would pay
me and I be on short-term disability. Mary P.
— Mary P.
September 21, 2003
Shouldn't your physician be the judge on how long you take off from work? I
had my surgery on 8/25/03 and my physician informed my employer I'd be off
from work 4-6 weeks. I had to have my physician state this so my employer
would pay me and I be on short-term disability. Mary P.
— Mary P.
September 21, 2003
I had open surgery and went back 2 weeks after surgery. It was very
difficult. I was so tired ~ could only do 1/2 days for the next 2 weeks.
If you can do a full 3-4 weeks, I highly recommend it! Your body will
thank you ~ Open RNY 1/3/03 330/205/175
— chelle3081
September 21, 2003
Hi there! I also have a desk job and went back to work after two weeks. I
did fine, better than expected actually. I felt like I could have at the
begining of my second week home, but decided to enjoy the rest of the week
before going back.
Good Luck!
— Michele B.
September 21, 2003
I had Lap Bypass and returned to work after 2wks. I have a desk job and
had no problem getting through my day but was usually ready to lay down
when I got home each evening.
— [Deactivated Member]
September 21, 2003
I had lap RNY and took off three weeks. My doctor kind of let me decide
when I was ready. Physically I think I could have gone back after 2 weeks
but used the third week to get more compfortable with my eating and
drinking routine. Once I went back I found the mornings difficult to have
time to fix and eat breakfast - I'm still working on that - trying to do as
much as possible the night before.
— Gail L.
September 21, 2003
My surgeon said I could go back whenever I wanted. I had lap. I went back
after 2 weeks. I went back full time ..40hr weekly. I am on my feet 8hr
daily. I got along fine.
— Sarah H.
September 21, 2003
I think 2 weeks is a good standard for someone returning to a desk job, but
of course, everyone is individual...and recover and respond differently to
surgery and other dietary issues. I returned after two weeks, but took my
first week back slowly. Some days I worked short. I was tired when I got
home...a nap during the day would have been optimal Good luck!!
— Tammy B.
September 21, 2003
I had a lap RNY and went back to teaching after 3 weeks. I was fine, just
really tired at the end of the day for a week or so. Good luck!!
— Fixnmyself
September 22, 2003
I had open RNY and went back to my desk job in two weeks.
— Patty_Butler
September 22, 2003
I went back to work in 4 weeks although I could have gone back in 3 if I
had to. I had a surgical drain in for 2 weeks, and it was the major source
of my pain. That's why I would not have gone back sooner than 3 weeks.
For people who do not have surgical drains, I hear the recouperation time
is quite a bit faster. My Dr. would have kept me out until at least 6
weeks if I would have wanted it. It all depends on your pain tolerance,
the amount of side effects (eating or otherwise), and how long you can
afford to be off work. Good luck!
— aferrendelli
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