Question:
When can you go back to work after Gastric Bypass
If you feel alright in a week can that happen? — dbobb32 (posted on March 27, 2007)
March 27, 2007
Depends on what you do for a living....I drive a desk and could of went
back after a full week, but took two off. It was nice. ;)
— jammerz
March 27, 2007
Hello...I take it you have a surgery date in the near future...Good for
you.Most folks would say that returning to work depends on a lot of
things.Your health and recovery are important.If your job and finances will
allow you to stay off, then I probably would.WLS can be quite the
adjustment.You have to deal with your new way of eating.You may or may not
experience discomfort for various reasons.Fatigue is almost certain after
sugery too. A greater concern is how you will adjust to different foods
after surgery. The last thing I wanted was to become ill @ work, without
much warning. These are just a few reasons. It's up to your doctor also. If
you're able to be off a minimum of maybe 3 to 4 weeks that would be great.
I personally stayed off for 9 weeks and adjusted to my new way of life. Oh
and last but not least...driving a vehicle was prohibited for at least 2
weeks post-op. Don't rush things if you don't have to. Best of luck and a
speedy recovery.
— purnellj
March 27, 2007
I went back to college full time four days after my surgery...talk with
your doctor. The more your up and moving the better it is for you. Just
don't over do it. Listen to you body...when it tells you to rest...do it!
Good luck. J
— J.Bug
March 27, 2007
it all depends on you and how fast you recover but I would suggest two
weeks at least.
— Beatriz A.
March 27, 2007
Hello Diane,
My surgeon said 4 weeks -- I took them and my manager told me whatever the
surgeon says that is what I do. Plus I had the sick leave to take off.
Our company also have what they call a Reserve Illness account which we get
72 hours a year. I could have gone back in 3 weeks; however, I hadn't seen
the surgeon and returning would require a note from him to be sent to the
group that handles our leave. So if you can afford to be off at least 4
works to adjust to your new eating schedule I'd say take it.
Today was my 4th day back at work and I'm exhausted -- good thing I only
have 2 more days to work and then I'm off two. So it all depends on how
you feel after the surgery and no complications arise. You don't want to
return too fast.
— the7thdean
March 27, 2007
2-3 weeks if you have a sedentary job, no lifting for 6 weeks. I was bored
and went back after 2 1/2 weeks. I had no complications and felt great!
— Sheri A.
March 28, 2007
Hi Diane and thanks for writing. Ofcourse it is different with different
people. You have to evaluate if you have the stamina, and can deal with
food pressures right away. You have to know what your surgeon says about
it and your finances will also dictate your decision. Having said that,
consider this. My surgeon said to me that she will support however long I
needed to be off. Her concern, which was very valid, is that you are
making life changing decisions after surgery. What to eat, when to eat,
changing your head about food issues, beginning an exercise regiment and
building your support for success, not to mention the recovery from a very
major surgery. My finances dictated that I could take off six weeks, so I
did, and I was very glad I did. I believe in a full recovery. I think
taking it slow causes your body to heal, and the rest and exercise I got in
those six weeks would not have been the same if I was up early and running
to work. I do desk work, so I didn't have to consider the physical aspect,
but you may. Evaluate carefully, especially in light of adjusting your
life, not just your stamina. I was glad I did take six weeks, others may
choose differently. I wish you well. Patricia P.
— Patricia P
March 28, 2007
I went back to work 1/2 days the monday after I go out. But I do work at a
desk. It would depend on what kind of work you do.
— bntfive
March 28, 2007
I Had Lap RNY on a Thursday, went home from the hospital on Friday, driving
on Monday and was back at work on Tuesday. I only missed 3 days from work
and I felt great.
Good Luck!!
— Young485
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