Question:
I saw the surgeon yesterday about the open procedure.
I ask him how long I would have to be off of work. I am a lab technician in a busy lab. He sounded like a little over a week would probably be ok. I don't think I am going for that. It sounds too soon to me. How long will I really need to be healed and rested? 3 weeks?? — Kim N. (posted on December 22, 2002)
December 21, 2002
My doctor balked when I talked of going back after 2 weeks, but said it
really would depend on how I felt and how eating was going. If you are on
your feet a lot in your job I bet you won't have the stamina. There is a
fine line between pushing your body to get it moving and strong and pushing
it too far that it can't heal correctly. I'd plan on 2 weeks and play the
3rd by ear. I'm thinking I will be able to work at least 1/2 days the 3rd
week. I also can do a lot of work from home so may opt to do that so I can
rest when I need to.
— zoedogcbr
December 21, 2002
Everyone is different. I am 39 years old, started at 275 pounds. I have a
desk job & take public transportation (bus & train to work). I was
off for 2 weeks, and went back part time the third week. My first weeks
were devoted to getting into a new routine (eating, drinking, vitamins,
protein supplements, walking & bathroom!). I would think that 1 week
is really, really pushing it. You should allow yourself at least 2 weeks.
It sounds like you have a very busy job, I'd try to take 3 weeks if I were
you. YOU are worth it, this surgery is worth it, and you owe yourself the
opportunity for this extra time to get rested so you can get off to a good
start healing. Good luck to you, keep us posted on your progress.
— Valerie B.
December 22, 2002
I had an open and wanted to go back to work at 3 weeks- but primary care MD
refused to sign me out for less than six weeks. In hind sight- physically
I could have gone back sooner, but your body is still healing and the extra
rest and stress free time, helped- (plus it was fun to go back to work 40
pounds lighter instead of 20)
— ~~Stacie~~
December 22, 2002
HI Kim,
it is so funny how all of our doctors have different ideas huh? Mine says
that you need to take at least 4 weeks to recover properly. I am two weeks
out tomorrow and I don't think that I could stand for 8 hours and do your
job. I feel great and I am eating well and having no problems. My body is
good at letting me know when it is time to take a rest, and I dont have
much choice but to comply quickly! I agree with the other posters, take
the time off to allow your body to heal properly, and for yo to adjust to
the new tummy, you are worth it!
— poohdotsmom2
December 22, 2002
I would love to have my surgery now, but I am a teacher and I don't think I
would get the time off and if I did,I don't want to rush back to work after
only 3 weeks home. I also don't want to leave my students with a
subsititute. My surgeon only does the open procedure and I feel with the
kind of job that I have I will need at least 6-8 weeks off. So I hope to
have a summer surgery which will give me 6-8 weeks off.
— Lisa N.
December 22, 2002
One week is ridiculous. I was still sleeping in a recliner, and awake at
all hours after a week. And to hunch over a microscope? I went back to my
desk job after 3 weeks, which was do-able, although I was a little tired.
Also, you are learning what you can and cannot tolerate eating. Work is not
the place to do that.
— Lesa H.
December 22, 2002
I had my surgery (open - Dr. Leitman) almost 1 year ago and I was out of
work for 5 weeks. I probably gone back after 4 weeks but I was so tired
from surgery. Most surgeons don't take out your staples until 2 weeks
after surgery so if you went back in 1 week you would still have your
staples. Please take your time and relax while you are out because once
you start to lose weight you will start to be so active. I cannot imagine
going back now - I have so much energy. I hope this helps. - Tracy
— tracyr
December 22, 2002
Hi,
I just met with a surgeon about open and he said three weeks! I really
need to get back to school faster than that, besides, I just sit and take
notes anyway. He said it's all going to depend on the amount of pain. If
I feel good in two weeks...okay. Good luck!
— Kimberly S.
December 22, 2002
I had open RNY on 4/29/02 (-122) and was back to work full time after four
weeks. I couldn't have done much earlier than that because I was just
getting my strength back. Until you start eating "normally"
you're pretty weak. I started eating "regular" food at 10 days
out and still had to wait four weeks to go back. I'm surprised your doctor
said one week. I also have a desk job, so I think that makes a difference
too! Good luck!
— stacey L.
December 23, 2002
i would say it depends on your age i am 55 and was not ready to go back to
work even at 6 weeks but my neighbor is 35 and she was read at 3 weeks so
it depends on the person and i think the age has a lot to do with i good
luck
— ROSEMARY A.
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