Question:
Is it true whether you go lap or open rny you need to be out of work 4-6 wks?
I have been told that I would need to take 4-6 wks off of work whether I decide to go with open or lap rny. I was told that that amount of time was not necessarily for physical recovery but to learn your new way of eating. Has anyone else been told this? Did you follow the dr's orders? — Sandra D. (posted on June 1, 2002)
June 1, 2002
Who told you that? See my profile. I was working part time in just over a
week, and walked 1.3 miles a week after surgery. <P> True some folks
miss eating but LAP you can go back to a non physical job in a couple
weeks, although heavy lifting requires waiting a month minimum/
— bob-haller
June 1, 2002
I had open rny and was out of work for 7 weeks. however, my friend had it
done lap and was only out of work for
1 1/2 weeks. i was out for the 7 weeks because of how awful i felt, not
because of adjusting to my new eating habits. i had alot of pain and
discomfort, constantly felt sick to my stomach, had diarrhea for 4 weeks,
and was always feeling like i was going to vomit. had the surgery on
4/9/02 and this past week was the first i started feeling better. hope
this helped.
— Tami K.
June 1, 2002
I was open, back at my desk job part time in 10 days. Slow, but working. I
was on clear liquids only, so it wasn't like there were CHOICES. LOL!
— vitalady
June 1, 2002
Everybody's different. I will be going back to work tomorrow (June 3)
after open RNY on May 7. I probably should mention that I only work
part-time. Anyway, you have no way of knowing how you are going to feel
after surgery. Some people are sick or in pain for weeks; others are not.
I have been pretty lucky. The first 3 days in the hospital were the worst
for me--I haven't felt sick, and I quit taking my pain meds when I got home
from the hospital. I probably could have returned to work this past week,
but I do still get tired a little more easily than I did pre-op. It
doesn't take much exertion to tire me out. Of course, it's probably easy
to tire out when you're not really eating any food with substance. You're
just going to have to see how you feel, but I would probably try to plan
for at least 4 weeks off work. You can always return earlier if you feel
up to it. Good luck!
— Kristie B.
June 1, 2002
Hi there I had surgery on May 23rd and I am going back to work full time on
June 3rd, I can't afford to be out that long I went in for about an hour
and a half on Friday and I was tired so be prepared to be tired but I think
it can be done.
— Cindy W.
June 1, 2002
Hi,
I had my surgery November 29, 2001 and was cleared to return to work twelve
days post-op. I returned to work full time with no difficulties. I do
have a desk job and that makes it easier at first. But I was going nuts
sitting around and I was very excited to get back to work. I can't imagine
sitting around the house for four to six weeks just to learn how to eat.
By the way, I am six months post-op and have lost 116 pounds so I must have
learned to eat ok. Seriously, though, I can't imagine having to stay home
from work to just learn new eating habits. Actually, my eating habits are
better when I am at work than on the weekends.
— Patty_Butler
June 2, 2002
I got 6 weeks off and needed them. The first 2 weeks Iwas on pain meds and
should not drive. The next four I was a blob and not thinking as keenly as
I should. If I make a wrong descision at work I could cost my company time
and money. I think if you can get the time off you should take it. FOR THE
GALS... most of you have 2 jobs one at the office and the second at home.
Try to get used to the one at home first. If you are in a realsonship your
spouse (husband) will try but can't do what you do in the home. good luck
— Robert L.
June 2, 2002
Sandra,
Depending on you, you might not need the full 4-6 weeks off, but others do.
You'd probably be wise to take as much time off as you can, and then just
go back to work when you feel up to it. I took the full 6 weeks off and
needed it. For the first month, I was nauseous, and had a real lack of
energy. It took a good six weeks to get my strength and energy back. It
also depends on what you do at work-a desk job would be easier to go back
to soon after surgery. As for adjusting to food, get past the liquid stage
before you go back to work-makes it easier.
— Cindy R.
June 2, 2002
Hello. I am 6 weeks post-op and I have really needed this time to get back
to 'normal.' I took full advantage of FMLA and requested 12 weeks off
total. The pain was minimal for me but I had no idea that I would be so
tired! There is no way that I could have gone back to work in 2 weeks--my
commute is over an hour and I work in public schools with kids. At about 5
weeks post-op, I started getting sick after eating some foods, like barfing
sick, so again I was really glad that I was at home and not barfing in some
elementary school restroom! I am going back 2 weeks earlier than planned
just because I want to.
— jenn2002
June 2, 2002
I am 8 weeks post op (lap RNY) and if you need to get back to work sooner,
you can. I went back part time at day 14 and have learned my new way of
life with each passing day. My cousin had the same surgery and was back to
work in 9 days and that's been eight months ago and 98 lbs. ago - she's
done great. Each doctor is different. Each patient is different. Do
whatever feels the best to you after surgery - there is a lot to get use
to, that's for sure. Good luck to you !
— Lisa J.
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