Question:
How soon before going back to work?
I am waiting for my consultation with the surgeon and my work who has been very supportive is looking for an idea on how long I am going to be out. I am doing bypass and have a sit down management job. Can anyone tell me how long they were out of work after bypass? Obviously will do whatever the surgeon says but find this site great for first hand knowledge. Thanks in advance — elder1104 (posted on July 23, 2009)
July 23, 2009
I had the RNY gastric bypass and was out three weeks. I also have a sit
down office job. I felt as if I could have gone back after two weeks, but
when I did go back after three weeks even sitting and not moving around
much was very stressful on my body. I felt I should have waited at least
another week or so or just went back half a day. So if you have an option
at least try and take six weeks that way you will be fully rested and feel
up to making a full eight hour shift. Also remember whenever you go back to
work don't get distracted and forget to drink your fluids each day
constantly. Good Luck to you!
— mriles
July 23, 2009
I had my bypass on a Wed. and out of hospital the following Friday and then
out of work for the following 2 weeks. I too have an office job so I really
had not problems. I think the problem for me was figuring out what to eat
at lunch time. But all worked out its now been 15 months and have exceeded
my goal in weight loss. I am having trouble stopping the weight loss. I
have always followed the rules for eating after bypass with no cheating and
always exercising daily. I walk 2 miles daily and at this point can eat
most anything and always taking vitamins. Thanks
— susajohn
July 23, 2009
I had laproscopic RNY on a friday. I took the following week off and went
back to work on Monday, 10 days later.
I was tired and sore, but I did well.
— ajsp
July 23, 2009
I WAS IN A MANAGEMENT POSITION AS WELL WITH LIGHT PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY. I MADE SURE I DIDN'T LIFT ANYTHING OVER 10LB.
WENT BACK TO WORK 10 DAYS AFTER SURGERY. I HAD INFORMED MY
BOSS AND MY STAFF OF POST OP LIMITATIONS. THEY WERE VERY
SUPORTIVE. EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT MY SURGERY WENT WELL NO
COMPLICATIONS FELT OK A FEW DAYS POST-OP. HOWEVER IS WAS
AND STILL IS HARD TO GET FLUID & PROTEIN IN WHEN I'M AT
WORK EASY TO LOSE FOCUS AND TIME SLIPS BY SO BE CAREFUL.
— angelam43
July 23, 2009
I had the RNY and I was out only 2 weeks, but in that 2 weeks I also lost
25 lbs. So when I came back, my co-workers where so surprised to see how
fast and how much weight I lost. I also have a sit down job, so I could
walk if I wanted too. I didn't sit much after the surgery because I didn't
want to cause blood clots in my legs. You might feel a little tired from
anesthesia, but just don't over do it. Two weeks is plenty of time. your
abdomen will feel like you have done 5,000 sit up right after surgery, but
you won't have that feeling when you go back to work. Best wishes to you
and congratulations!
— Kristy
July 23, 2009
I had gastric 6/16/09 was out 1 week. It really depends how you come thru
surgery. I really was happy with my experience and felt good in recovery
and started walking immediatly. I also didn't need much pain meds after the
1st night. When I came home in two days I only took Liquid Tylenol because
I got a headache one night. If all goes well one week should be enough if
you don't have a physcially demanding job. But, two weeks maybe right for
you. Keep positive, your attitude can get you through anything.
Donna
— donnaholman
July 23, 2009
i was out for 1 week after having bypass ,however i was was very tired all
the time so don't rush take your time ..
— shannon091906
July 23, 2009
My Dr. gave me 4-6 wks and I am glad I took the 6 wks. It gives you time to
know what you can eat, get down an excercise routine know the new you. Hope
you find this helpful.
— LosingLisa
July 23, 2009
I had surgery on Monday out of hosp on Thurs, back to work that Monday!! I
also have a management job and I only worked about 4-5 hours daily that
first week and 6 hrs daily the following week. I moved slowly the first
week and by the second week I was much more limber. I have had no problems
since. When I asked my surgeon how soon to go back to work, he said when I
felt like it. He said I could sit at home or sit at work. I did not lift
anything, and my staff was great about bring things to the office althought
I still had to make rounds several times a shift. And don't forget blood
clots are a real concern the first few weeks so howeverlong you stay out,
walk!
— sallie H.
July 23, 2009
I'm a staff nurse with alot of patient contact, including pulling patients
up in bed and patient transfers. I had my LapBand on Tues and went back to
work on Saturday. Very little pain, no fatigue, and I work 12hr shifts. I
was eating alot of cottage cheese that weekend, but most of the people I
work were unaware that I had surgery.
— BeenThere1
July 23, 2009
My RNY was done 3/23/09 and I returned to work the following Monday,
3/30/09. I was driving the weekend before since I wasn't needing to take
pain meds.
— rkurquhart
July 24, 2009
I went back on Day 11. I would have gone back sooner, but the drain was a
hassle, so I decided to wait until they pulled it out. Went back the next
day.
— Erica Alikchihoo
July 24, 2009
I am in my fifties and went back after 2 weeks to a desk job. I can tell
you from experience to try and go back the middle of the week so you don't
have 2 work five days straight the first week back. I was tired my first
week back and should have considered working half days that first week.
— [Deactivated Member]
July 25, 2009
I had my RNY on a Thursday morning and went home on Sunday. My doctor
supported me in when I thought I could go back to work. I have a clerical
job and I am up and down throughout the day. I returned to work for 4
hours on Friday (8 days) and then I had the weekend to rest up and I was
bak fulltime on Monday. I m very glad I chose to go back a 1/2 day at
first. I wanted to see how I would be handling it. All went fine and I am
blessed.
— gagini
July 25, 2009
it varies soo much from person to person just like most things with gastric
bypass do. my advice to you is.. if you can afford to take the time off,
take it!!!! i am a nurse and took a full 6 1/2 weeks off like my surgeon
recommended and i am soo glad i did. you may be fine to go back to work
really soon due to your management position, BUT gastric bypass is MAJOR
surgery and your body needs time to adjust. you will probably still be on
the puree foods and learning what you can and can not tolerate, which is
trial and error and believe me...you want to be at home not work when
something doesn't agree with your new pouch! (nausea, vomitting, and or
diarrhea) and trust me...you will be very TIRED and easily fatigued. do
what you have to do, but please take all those facts into consideration.. I
hope this helps and good luck with your upcoming surgery...Holly
— RNlvnCARSON
July 26, 2009
Depending on type of work you do....Don't rush it. I"m a registered
nurse and went back to work at 4 weeks....wrong thing to do. Really didn't
feel better till around 6 weeks and at that point I was very weak. Just
remember don't rush back to work if you don't have to. GOOD LUCK!!!
— L_Reschke
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