Question:
Has anyone gone back to work post-op one week?
I have a very light work load. I sit at a desk and answer phones all day. I don't have to get up at all unless to go to the bathroom or for lunch. My employer really depends on me to be there. There is only one other person who does this in a very small office so when I am gone it is way to much for her to take on alone. There is no one else who can help her. Has anyone ever only taken a week off work after open RNY? I was thinking if I could have the surgery on a Friday and take the whole folowing week off that would give me two weekends to be home as well as the 5 weekdays. Anyone ever done this? — Karen W. (posted on April 8, 2002)
April 8, 2002
I went back to work post op open RNY at 2 weeks and really wish now that I
had not. I do nothing but sit at a computer all day and only get up like
you to go potty or for lunch. I am now 7 weeks post op and I still feel
that my energy level is not as great as it should be. Last week I came
down with a sore throat/flu bug of some sort and that set me back even
further. I felt worse than I did at 2 weeks post op. I really think that
I have rushed things too much and that my body is not fully recovering
because of that. I hate to be the bearer of bad news. Only you can judge
how well you feel in that short a period of time. I had surgery on a
Friday and I was not home until the following Wednesday. Please be
absolutely sure that you are ready. Best of luck to you.
— SARose61
April 8, 2002
I am still pre-op but have had 2 c-sections and you will not be ready after
1 week. You will probably be tired, weak and drugged up. Also the factor
of driving yourself being on pain medicine. I understand your boss depends
on you but you have to look out for yourself and take care of yourself.
Maybe you could ask your boss to do some work from home or even route calls
to your house. At least that way you're not straining yourself leaving
home.
— Suzie ..
April 8, 2002
I had my stomach stapled 16 years ago, and it was an open procedure. I
couldn't have gone back to work after just a week. I'm not saying you
can't, but its surprised me how tired I got. Back than they wanted you to
stay out 6-8 weeks. I stayed out 4 and than paid for it 2 weeks later. I
somehow ripped some stitches through the muscle and couldn't sit down
without alot of pain. I had to either lie down or stand up. Talk with
your doctor and see what he says. Good luck.
— Sue F.
April 8, 2002
I am having my surgery tomorrow and they tell me I could probably be back
to work by the middle of next week. However, I am having LAP RNY done. You
might want to see if your doctor does this LAP or find one that does if you
do not have everything set up already, I understand it is a less recovery
time. Good luck with whatever you choose. RK
— Robin B.
April 8, 2002
I had my an open r-n-y surgery on March 14 of this year and I went back to
work on the 18th. I do family daycare so I had my sister-in-law their to
help with picking up the kids but other than that I was fine. I completely
went back by myself on the 25th and I feel great. My doctor even remarked
at how great I look. I guess it all depends on you and how you handle the
surgery, I'm a very determined, strong person.
— Tonya G.
April 8, 2002
I had no complications and I went back to work after two weeks off. I
Manage a retail store, so I imagine if I worked in an office I could have
went back in a week. E-mail me if you wanna chat!!! Nancy
— nkoehler88
April 8, 2002
I had my surgery on Monday, July 9th, 2001, and went back to work the
following Monday. I have had no problems of any kind. Good Luck on your
surgery.
— Valerie M.
April 8, 2002
I had lap RNY this past Thursday and will be back at work this coming
Thursday; I too am not sure if it's enough time. I find I am kind of wiped
during the day and am having to take frequent naps...I had all these
"projects" lined up (such as doing my taxes!), which just ain't
gonna get done, bummer. But I am determined to be back at work. So, my
advice is to treat yourself well during your time off. Don't push youself
too much, and you should be ready. Also, I would definitley look into lap
- healing time is much quicker...
— rebeccamayhew
April 8, 2002
I had open RNY 5 weeks ago and went back to work at a desk job in 3 weeks.
The first week I was exhausted and only worked about 25 hours.
From what I have read about laps though, It may be possible if you can find
a Dr. in your area to do it lap.
— Dell H.
April 8, 2002
How about calling in a temp? We have had great experiences with temps in
our office. Something to think about.
— Cari F.
April 9, 2002
Original poster here--- Thanks so much for all your answers. It is helped
me to see that I will just have to wait to see how I am feeling after
surgery. I was hoping to have it by Lap but there doesn't seem to be
anyone in my area who will do it. I don't have a date yet because I am
awaiting the final decision from employer since my appeal. Keep your
fingers crossed for me!!
— Karen W.
April 9, 2002
Hi... I am exactly one week post-op from Open RNY. I would definitely
discourage you from trying it as your body is doing some major healing and
rest is part of the healing process. I had surgery last Tues. and was in
hosp. till Sat. Since being home my "work" has been learning how
to eat, when to take meds, getting in sleep, and just learning how to
relive with a new body system. I do plan to go back to work the 29th which
will be 4 weeks but am already seeing that it may be pushing it even then
so I'm leaving it flexible and possibly going back parttime for two weeks
then I'm in with both feet. A friend had surgery recently also and just
went back last Monday after 4 weeks from Lap RNY....She even found that
while she did ok, she was pushing it some days. So give yourself time and
think about a temp while you are out. Good advice I think. You take care.
— AJC750
April 15, 2002
I had an open RNY on Monday, 3/18/02. I'm four weeks post-op today and
have been back to work since the Thursday, 3/28/02 (11 days total
recovery). I'm a business systems project manager with a large application
installation coming live two months after my surgery and need to keep my
hands on the project. My job is, for the most part, sedentary; I do
nothing more strenuous than sit in meetings and talk to my team members. I
missed only one day since returning but I initially paid the price at the
end of each day. I would go home and literally crash and burn and I'm
still am not back to strength. While I've always had the ability to ignore
pain and push on I realize I should not have done my recovery this way. I
should have waited at least three to four weeks. There is a difference in
recovering correctly and working even if all you do is sit at a desk and
answer phones.
Take it from the voice of reason... you need the rest and healing time. Do
what you need to do but keep your long-term wellness in focus.
— D. Jeffrey T.
November 1, 2002
Karen, I had surgery on 10/15/2002 and went back to work on 10/21/2002.
Surgery was on Tuesday and the following Monday I was back at work. I had
Lap Ryn and fortunately had very little pain. My doctor knew I was going
back to work and he did not have a problem with it. He told me to do what
my body would allow me to do. The only drawback is the lack of energy. I
find that I am inclined to take a little nap during lunch and by the time I
get home I am ready for a longer nap. I've done great and am eating
basically whatever I can tolerate. I'm so happy I had this done. Deb
— [Deactivated Member]
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