Question:
Please help. Is the healing for an Open RNY fast?

I need to know how long did it take for some of you to go back to work? What limitations did you have when you went back to work? I am still working with my PCP to have this surgery.    — Erma D. (posted on January 12, 2003)

January 12, 2003
I work as an office manager in a doctor's office and I went back to work on the 12th day after open RNY. Good Luck! Cathy Whitmer
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 12, 2003
I schedule surgery for a group of surgeons. I went back to work at 3 weeks post-op.
   — Lesa H.

January 12, 2003
I was 55 years old and weighed 346 pounds when I had my open RNY. I was cleared to go back to work 12 days post-op. I was also cleared to drive that day. I had to wait a couple of days because I had the surgery about 3 hours from my home and had to wait til the weekend for someone to come get me. I went back to work full time and had no problems whatsoever. I have a desk job - mostly computer work. The only limitation I had was no lifting of anything over 4 pounds (I had to clean my purse out). And I made sure I got up and walked around every thirty minutes or so. For about two or three weeks, I had to come home in the evenings and take a nap, but that didn't last long. Open RNY 11/29/01 -160 po unds
   — Patty_Butler

January 12, 2003
There isn't a set time frame, as it is different for every individual. But most Doctors say 6 to 8 weeks following open RNY. There are several factors that determine when you can return to work and how fast you recover and heal from any major surgery. I had open RNY and was off work for 7 weeks. For me, the first two weeks post-op were the worst. I was very sore and it was hard to move around or get comfortable and I was tired most of the time. You also need those first couple of weeks to begin establishing your new eating habits. Things to consider when trying to determine how long you might be off of work for WLS are: your over all general health pre-op. Are you fairly active and mobile? If you have difficulty getting about as a pre-op it will be twice as hard immediately following surgery and will probably take you longer to get to the point where you are managing well in mobility. My cousin was placed in a rehabilitation facility for 30 days after her WLS because she couldn't get up and walk. She had been using a wheel chair as a pre-op to get around in. Is your job physically strenuous? If not, then you can probably return to work sooner rather then later. What is your level of tolerance for pain? Will you be able to drive a car safely? What sort of short term dissability do you have or how long can you afford to be off work. Doctors vary, as well, as to when they will allow you to return to work. And, hopefully, you don't have complications. And when you do return to work, you may want to arrange to work shortened days for the first week. I had awful back aches and I was easily fatigued the first week. Check out my profile and pick the profiles of some other posties and you'll get a pretty good idea of what you can expect to go thru. But, the results are so worth the pain and healing.
   — Susan M.

January 12, 2003
I went back to my desk job 3 weeks after open RNY.
   — Michele C.

January 12, 2003
Keep in mind, everyone is different and BE PREPARED that with an open, it will take you longer to heal! Also, be prepared that your incision may open up and leak for a while (maybe 2-6 months)....Just be aware of everything that is possible so there is no surprises. I was out of work for 6 wks and my incision leaked and stayed open for 2 1/2 months....Good Luck!
   — heathercross

January 12, 2003
Hi Erma, Like the other poster said, we all heal differently! I had an open RNY May 9 2002. I am an RN supervisor of a very busy labor and delivery floor. When I got home from the hospital I felt like I was hit by a ton of bricks. I was amazed how I was zapped of energy. BUT with rest and doing exactly what my doc told me I got stronger. I took 8 weeks off work as I did a lot of heavy lifting and long 12 hour days (usually more like 14 hr). I could have gone back at 6 weeks but to be honest, my energy level wasn't up all the way yet. So LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!! Don't compare your recovery with anyone else. You'll know when it's time and if you need more time...take it! God Bless you
   — Gina D.

January 12, 2003
I had open RNY on July 2,02 and went back to work on July 15,02. I do computer work at a desk. My surgeon released me after he removed the drain and staples, I did have a 10-15 pound lifting restriction. I was more than ready to go back, I was getting bored sitting at home all day long. It took a couple of days to adjust, I ended up leaving early the first couple of days (maybe and hour an a half early). But by the end of my first week back I was staying the whole 8 hours.
   — Ali M