Question:
Does your job have a bearing on being able to have surgery?

Hubby and I want to have wls. We are truck drivers and wondered if your job played in role in being able to have the surgery. We are interested in having the Lap surgery. Depending on the condition of the roads, it can be a rough ride at times. Just curious if anyone here knows of any other truckers that have had the surgery. thanks    — FranB (posted on May 7, 2003)

May 7, 2003
I'm not a truck driver, but have a friend of a friend who is. He had OPEN RNY 2 years ago and was back at work within 4 weeks. Couple of things I would consider. Truck drivers sit a lot....you need to walk a lot after any surgery. I can't imagine this occupation affecting you in any other way with reference to WLS. You can keep your protein & food in a cooler until you can eat solids. Good luck to both of you!
   — Amy A.

May 7, 2003
LAP is a good choice since it decreases the chance of hernia, according to my surgeon. Do take enought time off to completely recover and ask about blood clot risk from sitting so much.
   — bob-haller

May 7, 2003
I was back to a desk job after a laparascopic RNY in one week. I drive 1 hour to & from work, no problems. I was a little tired those first few days of work and was limited on lifting for a few weeks. Barring any complications, you should probably be able to drive a big truck in two weeks if you had to. That's of course with your doctor's discretion. I'm only 35 and bounced back real well.
   — cddgo

May 7, 2003
I drive a truck for a living with my husband,I didn't return to driving until about five weeks post-op but I did make a trip to denver with him (about five hours from our house) after two weeks post-op. I found the trip a little overwhelming on my incision site(I had open RNY) but nothing too unbearable. Like the other post we sit alot in the truck so getting out and moving in very important in your recovery. Just an afterthought I made a 800 mile journey just to have my surgery, I had no problems three days post op traveling as long as I got out of the car every hour and walked. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. [email protected]
   — Janet R.