Question:
If you had LAP RNY, how long before you returned to work?
— Carly H. (posted on November 10, 2003)
November 10, 2003
My doctor gave me two weeks, I probably could have returned in 7-10 days,
but I had no complications whatsoever. Good luck!
— PRISCILLA B.
November 10, 2003
I think it depends on your line of work. I returned home from the hospital
and that very day was chasing my toddler around and cleaning. I haven't
stopped since. Jennifer S. 278/229/140
— jenn_jenn
November 10, 2003
My job is very stressful, so I wanted to make sure that I could handle the
atmosphere. My surgeon let me decide when I wanted to go back. I went
back after five weeks. If your place of work allows you to be off for more
than a week or two, I highly suggest it. Rest is important, as is getting
used to your new routine. ~Kristy (lap rny 09/18/03 - 320/281/168)
— kristynush
November 10, 2003
I returned after 2wks. I have a desk job and the ability to shut my door
and tune out the world. I felt fine returning to work, I just needed to
lay down when I got home each evening.
— [Deactivated Member]
November 10, 2003
This is very individual, I think. I thought I'd be ready to return from a
9/11/03 surgery on 10/1/03, but didn't make it back until 10/13/03. I was
very tired, and just didn't have the energy my job requires. I work in a
school office, and it can be very fast-paced and hectic at times. I was
sleeping 10-14 hours every day, and I knew this wouldn't happen after I
returned to work. I'm glad I asked my doctor for the extra time - my
mental state was not the best for a couple of weeks either, and I just need
that downtime. Obviously, not everyone does, so just play it by ear, and
work with your doctor to determine the best time for your return. Mine
would have given me up to 6 weeks if needed.
— Carlita
November 10, 2003
I had my LAP RNY on 8/15/2002. I could've probably have gone back two
weeks later, but was having problems finding something I could eat in a
public setting (without blenders to make protein drinks, etc.), so I had
the time, so I returned after 6 weeks. I was very comfortable with things
by that time and could eat a reasonable meal in public without
"extras" and felt pretty well healed. If you have the time, take
it.
— Cathy S.
November 10, 2003
I'm 4 weeks post. I'm seeing my surgeon in 2 days and am planning on
returning to work on 11/17. I talked to my HR Director at work about
trying it out full-time and seeing what happens. I have a desk job. She
told me that I could have the surgeon write the release letter to read that
I am released to return to full duty as tolerated. If I can't tolerate a
full day, he can fax a release to return 1/2 days.
God Bless!
— Cathy C
November 10, 2003
I had my Lap RNY on 1/31/03 and took a full four weeks off. I think that I
would have been okay to go one week before but not too much before that. I
was getting around good but was still quite tired (even though I really
wasn't napping). Also, it helped I think to be at a stage with eating
where I was beginning to eat solids agains. That gave me some time to try
things without being worried about getting sick at work.
— Judy R.
November 10, 2003
I had LAP RNY on 10/22/03 and returned to work today, 11/10/03, exactly 18
days post-op. Honestly I could have done it sooner (I spent Thursday
shopping and Friday getting my hair and nails done :-)
— Amy E.
November 10, 2003
I returned to work today. I feel really good. I had surgery 10/20/03. I
was out three weeks. I had no complications and most of my work is done at
my desk. This included a one hour commute each way. Wish you well.
— eprise616
November 10, 2003
It was about 4 weeks for me... I am a schoolteacher, and I am glad I was
able to wait until the school year started (my surgery was 7/11/03).
— Tim W.
November 10, 2003
Our surgeon allows his lap RNY patients to return to work when they are no
longer requiring any pain medications, and they must observe the
restriction of not lifting more than 15 pounds for the first three weeks
post-op. I have an office job and returned to work eight days post-op. My
daughter returned to teaching a busy classroom of four-year-olds, fourteen
days post-op. Neither of us had any problems at all other than feeling
more tired than usual at the end of the day. Follow your surgeon's
instructions, and try not to over-do. Most lap patients feel so good that
they tend to forget that the lap surgery is still a very major
surgery...only the access to the internal organs is different. If you
over-do in the first early days and weeks, you will likely pay for it later
in terms of fatigue and depression. Best wishes!
— Diana T.
November 10, 2003
I took exactly 3 weeks and I was fine going back. Good Luck!
— earana
November 10, 2003
For me , I went back to work driveing an escort truck at 9 days after
surgery, I could have gone to work sooner but went a head and waited till
the 9th day , good luck
— jessie J.
November 10, 2003
i went back to work after 1 week. i work at a desk job and started back
slow a few hours a day. i am now 3 weeks post op and back to work full
time. just be careful because you will tire easily.
melinda largo fl lap rny 10/17/03
— melindainfla
November 10, 2003
i had mine on a wednesday and went back to work the foloowing monday.
Didnt feel too bad but didnt feel too great either. had aanother girl who
did the same where I work. good luck!
— tia S.
November 10, 2003
I teach and went back after 3 weeks. I was driven to work the first week,
and was pretty tired in the evenings, but the next week I was great!!
— Fixnmyself
November 10, 2003
I took 5 weeks off. I felt LOUSY!!!!!! It took me a good 8 weeks to start
to feel better.
— Patty H.
November 10, 2003
I agree with Patty, I felt lousy as well. I only took 2 weeks off (I was
a student) but I didn't feel "well" until week six or eight. I
took days off and left early for the first 2 months. Some people bounce
back a lot faster or a lot slower. Just know your mileage will vary.
— susanje
Click Here to Return