Question:
I NEED TIME TO RECOVER,THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS ONLY GRANTING ME 4WEEKS WITH PAY.....
I PREFER TO HAVE ATLEAST OFF WORK UNTILL JUNE 1. I THINK THAT TME IS GOOD ENOUGH. WHAT SHOULD I TELL ME SURGEON THAT I NEED THIS TIME.PLEASE HELP I AM A HOUSEWIFE ,MOTHER AND WORK FULL TIME .. — stacey T. (posted on April 24, 2002)
April 24, 2002
Sorry, Stacy. There is no way someone with a lap RNY procedure needs a
full 4 weeks off from work, unless you are a malingerer. You should count
yourself lucky to get 4 weeks, if I were the insurer, I would dispute
anything over 2 weeks.
— merri B.
April 24, 2002
With an open RYN and having a hernia repair and a torn spleen I went back
to work at 3 weeks.
— Candace F.
April 24, 2002
I know that everyone is different, but I am 2 weeks post-op from lap-rny
and I am back to doing everything I did before surgery except for lifting.
I have 3 young children, work part-time, etc. It hasn't been a problem at
all to get back to my normal schedule.
— L. F.
April 24, 2002
Stacey, I'm sorry I don't have an answer for you. However, I would like to
say that I found Merri's answer to be a little harsh. I understand that
she is a "tell it like it is" kind of person (as am I, hence this
post), but honestly...have a little compassion. I can see posting your
point that she probably won't need more than 4 weeks, but then to go and
say that if she did she would be faking it is just proposterous. Who are
you to determine how long this woman needs off? Please take into
consideration that not everyone heals at the same rate, and that different
people have different circumstances.
— Sarah P.
April 24, 2002
Hi! I am 3 wks post op from Open RNY and while I still get tired and try
to find that point where I need to just stop for a bit, I am going back to
work Monday (which will be 4 wks). I have talked with my agency though
about working part time next week and if I need it the following week and
they were terrific about it. You might want to see how you feel closer to
the time and I think you may be surprised with just how good you do feel.
For me I think getting back to work will be good emotionally and physically
as it will get me back into a normal routine. If you end up with any
complications then I'm sure your surgeon would be happy to write for you to
have additional time off based on that. One of the issues we face with
surgery besides the physical recovery from surgery is the ability to
re-learn how to eat and additional time really helps I am sure to find the
right foods, avoid trigger foods, dumping foods, etc. So discuss with your
Doc and he may be able to help you with your decision. My best to you. I
am 3 wks post - 21# gone and doing great.
— AJC750
April 24, 2002
I haven't had my surgery, I received my insurance approval in a record 5
days. I have my psy evaluation next. I elected to have this surgery late
may or early June because I have the summer off {I teach} But I my doctor
told me if all went well I could be back to work in 3-4 weeks and I will
have an open
— marta B.
April 24, 2002
Stacy, 4 weeks is more than plenty. I took 4 weeks off from work and in
reality I could have gone back after 2. But I was approved for 4 so thats
what I took. My doctor said he likes to give 4 so that you can adjust to
your new life style.
Be happy with the 4. I know you would like longer but in reality getting
back to a normal routine will help with your weight loss because you will
be doing more activity
— Diane Rhoads
April 24, 2002
After your 4 weeks paid by insurance see if you can use all your vacation
time and sickdays.That should be at least 6 weeks. And next year when you
get your vacation you will really appreciate it
— Robert L.
April 24, 2002
Gosh, I didnt know that some people actually got paid from their insurance
company while they are out of work. Well, I hope this makes you feel
better..I dont have insurance, just spent $20,000 on my surgery, I am self
employed and only make money when I work. That might help. LOL.
— Julie D.
April 24, 2002
I was only off work for 3 weeks (office job) with an Open RNY. I was a
little bit tired, but mad it fine. I would go with the 4 weeks, and if for
some reason you need to extend it, see if the Dr. will write a note giving
the reasons for it and extend it on the other end. main advice is to get
plenty of protien. It will help you recover quicker and feel better to go
back when you need too.
— Dell H.
April 24, 2002
Read my profile, boredom was my biggest problem. Was back to work part time
in just over a week and walked 1.3 miles one week after surgery. Took it
easy for a month though.....
— bob-haller
April 24, 2002
thany you all for your inout..and i would like to say yes my doctor changed
my go back work to june 1. also i lost 20lbs in 1 week hip hip horray!!!!!!
— stacey T.
April 24, 2002
Seems to me that just because your doctor says June 1 is when you should go
back to work, he will have to be able to document why you need this
additional time for the insurance to cover it. Most of us that have had lap
or even open rny were able to work well before 6 weeks, with the exception
of no heavy lifting. I suppose lots of us would like to have paid time off,
but I think we all need to try to hold our insurance costs down to what's
really necessary. To do otherwise, really costs all of us. just my opinion.
— Kathy W.
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