Question:
How long will I be off work, I must drive, but my job isn't too physical.

I am a Mental health home health nurse. I go to peoples houses and take vital signs temp,pulse, b/p talk to them about their depression, give them encouragement etc.etc.etc.    — Dolores R. (posted on June 27, 2001)

June 27, 2001
Dolores, the answer to your question will largely be determined by whether you have an open or lap surgery, as well as your own individual responses to general anesthesia, pain tolerance, etc... I returned to a full-time office position that also involved a lot of walking within my building, 8 days following a lap RNY. My daughter, who teaches a classroom of 3-4 year old children, returned to a very active work environment (with NO lifting for 6 weeks) only 14 days after her lap RNY. Neither of us required any pain medication after the 4th post-op day; driving was not a problem, and we had no problems returning to work on those schedules. An open surgery will naturally require a longer post-op recovery. Most surgeons suggest 6 weeks following any major open surgery, but there are patients on this site who have had open surgeries and have successfully returned to work more quickly than that. You are the only one who really knows your own body. Guard against overdoing too early in the process. That will only lead to unnecessary fatigue and depression later on. You might wish to investigate the possibility of "easing" back into your job by working part-time or half-days during the first week back. That might give you an idea of your tolerance levels initially. The only restriction that our surgeon gave us was "no lifting of anything weighing more than 15 lbs. for the first 6 weeks, otherwise resume activity as desired". Good luck!
   — Diana T.

June 27, 2001
Hi Dolores, I am an RN and do Home Health Care. I had open RNY on a Monday, came home on a Wednesday. I did my first vist the next Monday. I only do visits part time. I had no problems with this schedule. The only concern I had was one of my patients needed to transfer with a Hoyer for a dressing change. This was a little difficult, but I managed. I have kept my surgery a secret. My employer thought that I was out of town for a week. So, I really couldn't return and have physical limitations. Hope this helps. Shelley
   — Shelley.