Question:
How long out of work, how long in hospital?

I am scheduled for a Lap-RNY on October 1, 2002 and as my father just passed away I currently have no sick time or personal, nor vacation time left to take off from work. I would like to know how long your were off of work for your surgery recovery and how many days you stayed in the hospital. I realize that we're all different and thus, heal differently and the time differs for each surgery...but I'd like try and get an idea of what I'm looking at.... My surgeon said anywhere from 3-5 days in the hospital--what has your experience been?    — Karen K. (posted on September 21, 2002)

September 20, 2002
I had Open RNY in 2/2002, in hospital 5 days, at home 5 days, back to work on 11th day! You are right, we all heal differently. I just couldn't stand being home anymore - only so much daytime TV ;-)
   — Rosario T.

September 20, 2002
I also had my gallbladder removed at the same time.
   — Rosario T.

September 20, 2002
I had my lap rny done on Wednesday was released on Friday. Very importnt to get up walking as soon as possible. I took the following week off from work and then returned on Monday. I am fortunate that my job does not require strenuous lifting. A lot of desk work, plus I work for a doctor who on a couple of the days sent me home because I looked tired (which I was). Everyone is different and it is important not to over do it. We have to live a long time in these bodies, so lets start taking care of them now.
   — Sue A.

September 20, 2002
I went in Thursday morning checked out of the hospital on Sunday. I stayed with my mom for one week, then went home. I did have time off work so I took it. Truthfully I wish I had gone back sooner, I was doing laundry (we have to carry it over to the bldg. next door), lifting my 30lb son and so forth and developed a hernia...so unless you have a desk job I'd say you need to give yourself a 2-4 weeks. DO you have short term disability...
   — MF

September 20, 2002
I had my surgery on Aug 26th(Monday) and was released On Thursday. I also had my gullbladder removed. I am going back to work after four weeks. I think it all depends on your pain tolerance and how well you heal.
   — JoAnn V.

September 20, 2002
Four of us in our family have had lap RNY surgery. Each of us had two day hospitalizations, and returned to full-time work in 8-14 days with no problems. We experienced more fatigue than normal during the first week or so back to work, but other than that everything went smoothly. Be sure to allow yourself as much time as possible to rest, and try not to over-do. This is the perfect time to let family and friends help out a little :-) Good luck!
   — Diana T.

September 20, 2002
Hi Karen, I had surgery on a Monday went home Wednesday, went back to work the following Tuesday part-time for a few days, then back to full time the following Monday. I worked as a manager/cook so I just did'nt lift for a few weeks, was a little tired but I slept good at night.:o). Best of luck to you!! Tish
   — Tisha W.