Question:
How safe is it to resume school soon after surgery?

I am registered for summer classes as I am to graduate in December. Without going this summer I will not make that deadline. I am thousands of dollars in debt and desperately need to get into my field of study to begin living again. I have only one class so soon (Spanish--have to take three of them, w/two more left) I do not drive myself and will not lift anything including my books. I am taking off of work, but school I feel I must attend. Any suggestions or concerns that I should be concerned about?    — Diana D. (posted on April 23, 2003)

April 23, 2003
My concern is how tired you'll be. Not just physically, but mentally. I was fine for the most part, but I didn't go summer or fall. I had enrolled in fall but dropped because I just couldn't think about it. I know it is not what you want to hear. I am disappointed as I was supposed to graduate in May but that didn't happen. I too am going summer and fall to graduate in December. I wish you best of luck. I'd love to talk more so feel free to email me. [email protected]
   — MF

April 23, 2003
Everyone is different. It really depends on if you are having the surgery done open or lap. I had lap RNY 3 months ago, and besides being a little sore at times, I had no problems. I could have gone back to work one week after surgery, but my boss wouldn't let me. I am a home health nurse. I wasn't tired during the day. Everything was fine. I know others who were either very tired, or hurt, or had other complications. So, you really won't know until after you have surgery, and see how you feel. Also, how soon after surgery does classes start. If you are only taking a few courses, you should be fine. Talk with your doctor. Be well prepared ahead of time. Make sure you are in the best possible condition before surgery, take vitamins, start exercising regularly, and eat healthy. I wish the best for you. Good luck
   — Sandy H.

April 23, 2003
Hiya, I just had my lap RNY over my spring break. So I had the spring break week off, and then took the next week off. I was ready to go back at the end of that second week, but when I got to school, those first couple days were really tough. I was really glad to have my mom with me, just because of the emotional stress that hit. And the exhaustion level was pretty high, you can definetly do it, it's my third week in school now, and I'm feeling totally fine, but be prepared to take some naps!!! you can do it!! Good luck!
   — Eryn G.

April 23, 2003
I guess I left a few things out. My surgery is to be done Lap on May 6,classes resume May 15. Taking them on line is not an option for this university. I am only taking one class the first part of the summer--May 15 to June 5. And the second part of the semester is July 7 to July 29. One class each session. As I said my husband is there to carry my books and drive etc. My school is like in another city about 60 miles away from my work, not trying to hide that I will be going, but not volunteering any info either. Besides, I asked to go back to work the second week after surgery and they said NO. Not my fault.
   — Diana D.

April 23, 2003
If you are collecting disability from work going to school MAY cancell the disability pay. Please check it out. Good Lux
   — Robert L.

April 23, 2003
Hi, I had my surgery in September 2002. I had it on Thursday, came home Friday and then went to school on the following Monday. I did not have a full class, I only had 3 classes, just 1 hour on MW and 3hours on T. I didn't have to do anything but sit there. I pretty much went in my pjs. I was VERY tired and getting ready to go was a task in itself. I really wish I would have taken at least 1 week off, I just couldn't miss that much class. I hope everything goes well, GOOD LUCK!!!
   — Sonya P.

April 23, 2003
I had surgery (Open RNY w/gallbladder removal) 11/11/02 smack in the middle of my fall semester. I had planned on getting back to school November 25th. Boy was I mistaken! I didn't get back to class until December 2nd and even then I wasn't ready. But my roomie had Open RNY as well the same day and she was back at work within 2 weeks. She didn't have her gallbladder removed by the way. The hardest part for me was I had sever back pain and it was very hard fo me to walk and to sit for long periods of time. I think you will have an easier time than I did. It all depends on the person as you can see with the various responses. I'm in an entirely different situation as you because I went back right before finals. I had to make up almost a month's worth of work and study for finals and then finals. I could have opted for Incompletes in my classes but I refused. I completed all of my work and had a 3.65 semester. Lots of luck!
   — Tracy A.