Gastric Bypass and returning to work

I know a lot of ppl returned in a couple weeks for a desk job, but I do housekeeping. I know there is no lifting for a certain amount of time, but what about bending? Anyone out there have any info?

Hi

Every surgeon is different. Ask your surgeon and follow his/her advice.  Post this on the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery Forum (RNY) if you have not already done so to reach out to others that have had the same surgery as you.

Definitely ask your surgeon. Mine told me no lifting over 15 lbs for the first 4 weeks, mostly because of the hiatal hernia I had repaired at the time of surgery. Yet he wants me to start strength training at that point, so apparently I'm allowed to go from 0 to 60 in no time flat, hahaha.

Ah that's why I couldn't find my earlier reply, it was on a different forum! Sorry for the duplicate response.

LOL I had very similar instructions! Don't even pick up a grocery bag, and then at my 4 week checkup it was, are you lifting weights yet??  Ha! It's all good though, I started with light weights and resistance bands after 4 weeks.  :-)

Oh Bobbee, Be so careful and do not set yourself back. I had the sleeve and did just basic cleaning-boy did I pay for it. If you explain to your customers maybe they will understand that u can only work for an hour or 2 at the most. I know we all need to pay the bills…be careful tho.

I will never understand the ones that made it back so quick!!

I was going back to a very busy hospital unit. I took 6 weeks off and was glad I did.

Deb T.

A nurse told me years ago that the worst thing women do too soon after surgery is run a vacuum cleaner.  Housekeeping is hard work and uses a lot of internal muscles.  Right after surgery I felt great, but still realized that my insides were full of healing staples and stitches. 

I did not vacuum or lift anything over ten pounds until I was six weeks out of surgery. 

I also was not allowed to return to wor****il 6 weeks out. I am a nurse and do a lot of lifting.

Be careful and follow your doctor's advice

Everyone is different.  I took 4 weeks off for a mostly desk job (some standing and presenting and such) - and I could not have returned a single day earlier.  With your job I think you will definitely need some guidance from your surgeon - I would think 6 weeks, but I am not a professional.