Question for those who just had surgery and are taking time off work.

Just curious, when your surgeon filled in your insurance paperwork, how long of a recovery time were you given? I am going for my surgery at Guelph on January 30, and just got my paperwork sent to me. I was shocked to see my return to work date was February 20 because I was told I would be off for 4 weeks.  I am nervous about having to go back before I even get a chance to figure out what my new life will be like.  Does anyone have any experiences you would care to share? Thanks for the help and support, everyone!

Funny you should ask this - I am doing my surgery Jan 23rd a Toronto Western - and have always been told 4-6 weeks, however due my desk job - I should be ok in 3-4

I was transferred to Guelph briefly - and was told 3 weeks - as long as there were no complications.

I am now back to TWH - and got my ppwk from surgeon - and he has put me off for 8 weeks!

I think I will play it by ear - I am having a lap band removed at the same time - so maybe that will be a slower recovery

I plan on getting my family doctor to fill it out for me, not the surgeon.   My paperwork does not need to be done until after surgery - so she can judge based on how I'm feeling and not guess upfront.   Last time I had a procedure done I had a reaction to the anesthesia.   No way of knowing if I'll be able to work in 3,6 or 8 weeks.  It will be a wait and see.   I told my supervisor that I am expecting 6 weeks, so at least they can plan.

I have a desk job and I took 7 weeks off. While I did have surgical complications, I needed the time off because of exhaustion. It took me a long time not to feel like I needed a nap after showering and dressing for the day. 

I saw Dr Aarts' resident who discharged me for a note, and he didn't put a date on the form. I went back last week. So just over 3 weeks. No issues what so ever.

I had my surgery at TWH and was given 6 weeks off.  I took it all but certainly could have gone back much sooner.  I had no complications and recovered quickly.

I have a desk job and was given a note by the surgeon to be off for 4-6 weeks ... I went back after 2 weeks ... some days I was tired but I felt fine about going back in 2 weeks and work was more then accommodating, if I needed to leave early, etc.  I just could not sit in my 700 square foot condo for anything more than the 2 weeks LOL.  But everyone will find their own way in terms of their energy and pain level. 

Some of you are mentioning insurance paperwork vs. a note from the surgeon.

I am meeting my surgeon tomorrow morning and was planning on just asking for a note. I work for the government and have a good health plan, and the thought of needing a form filled out hasn't crossed my mind! Thank goodness for the forum... 

I was told eight weeks off.  I had surgery on a Tuesday and went back to work the following Monday at a desk job.  I felt fine and was bored sitting at home.

Thank you for taking the time to reply, everyone! I emailed the surgeon's office and apparently the standard time is 3 weeks for a desk job. So there go my dreams of taking a month to get used to everything, and quite frankly to have a break from work.  Oh well.  LOL