Question:
400+ Pounds, Desk Job- How Long to Return to Work Post Open RNY?

I am interested in knowing how long folks over 400 pounds with desk jobs were off work after and open RNY. My surgeon says that I should be able to go back "light duty" after two weeks. I have a history of slow healing. I am worried about this. Pam    — Pam B. (posted on March 12, 2003)


March 12, 2003
Everyone heals differently, and at different rates. I had problems just going out to friends 3 weeks after surgery and was totally exhausted after a couple of hours. The general rule that my surgeon follows is 6 weeks to be released for work and that was about the time I felt well enough to do anything. Open RNY 11-11-02 Down 115lbs
   — dkinson

March 12, 2003
Jen my wifes BMI was over 60. By two weeks her pain was gone. Shes a RN so she didnt go back for 6 or 7 weeks. Nurses jubs are very physical. I was 313 lbs pre op and walked 1.3 miles one week after surgery. Worked part time about 10 days post op out of boredom.
   — bob-haller

March 12, 2003
I was 310 and had an OPEN RNY.....my STD was only approved for 4 weeks and the surgeron had to extend it to 6 weeks. I did not have any problems or was not sick.....but I had a 13 inches incision and it takes a long time for that to heal....I was still very weak and tired at 6 weeks out.
   — Sharon H.

March 12, 2003
I was 472 pounds when I had my RNY. I have a desk job & I took off 5 weeks, I could have gone back sooner if I wanted, my doctor said it was up to me. Even though I have a sit down job, the first couple of weeks back was hard. I didn't exercise hardly at all on my leave and my energy level was not where it should have been. If your can get the time off, take it.
   — bbjnay

March 12, 2003
Hi..I am was 440lbs on the day of my surgery on Jan 23, 2002..i went back to work at my desk job exactly 2 weeks later..i had no pain, no complications. good luck to you.
   — tylerswife

March 12, 2003
Sorry I was LAP.
   — bob-haller

March 12, 2003
Hi Pam- I was 390 at surgery, and was back at my desk job 2 weeks later, even with a complication. Although everyone is individual, I believe that you can do whatever you set your mind to do. I was also a diabetic; my incision was re-opened top to bottom one week post op, and was packed with a dressing over it twice a day for the month after surgery, and I STILL went to work. Stay positive. You can do what you have to do.
   — Karen N.

March 13, 2003
Hello there! I was 491 pounds day of surgery. I took off 1 month. I was done lap though, but if you can take as much time as you can.
   — ROUENY819

March 13, 2003
I started out at 444 and was back in the pool AND at my "desk job" in two weeks...YOU need to take as much time as YOU need, be kind to yourself!!! I was going completely stir crazy ;)
   — Deanna_K

March 13, 2003
I was 405 pounds day before my OPEN RNY. I will be going back to work in 26 days. I would have went back sooner but I developed a blood clot in my leg that will had to be treated. Take Care, Be Well, Be Happy!
   — John T.

March 13, 2003
I was 440 and was back to teaching middle school in 2 weeks. I was lap, but had no trouble with something as active as teaching. I know one woman who had surgery on a Thursday and was back at her computer for 6 hours of work on Monday - barely home from the hospital.
   — jen41766




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