When to go back to work

Read  a prior posting and I have another question regarding returning to work after surgery.  My surgery date is  March 16 and I advised my boss I would be back to work April 1st (April Fools Day...so maybe not! LOL)..am I giving myself enough time off?  My job is sitting at a desk all day...so nothing over-taxing energy wise...except maybe my brain occassionally^_^  No kids at home, just hubby, me and 4 chihuahuas...so lots of 'me' time planned.  Thanks for your help...it's so nice to find such a 'positive' and encourageing group!

My initial reaction is that two weeks is not enough time and give yourself this time to real and start the new chapter in your life with more rest time.  Having written that, as a support group leader I have seen many people return to work - desk jobs - two weeks later because that's all the "vacation" time they had; they didn't use disability or medical leave, which is kind of a mistake in my book but that's another story.

When I had my surgery almost 8 years ago, I took a month off and wish I had taken more.  Today, I see people bounce back much faster that my peers back in the early 2000s thanks to the advancements in the various procedures. 

A lot will really depend on how well you have bounced back from any other surgeries you have had in the past.  It will also depend on if you have any complications from this procedure.  Small chance, but you never know. 

Now that I've rambled on and on, I would encourage you to take this time for yourself.  This procedure is about "self love" when you get right down to it, so put yourself first and give yourself the chance to heal and adjust to your new lifestyle.

Congrats on your upcoming surgery,

Kimberlee MacVicar
Leader & Founder, East Bay Bariatric

Everyone is different, but you really aren't giving your body time to heal.  This is a major surgery and it's a major lifestyle change too.  You won't even be eating solid foods by then, plus you aren't giving your body much time to rid itself of the medications they give you to put you to sleep.  If you could get more time it may be a good idea, but ask your doctor too, he may not allow his patients to go back to work that soon.  Every doctor is different.  I would certainly call his office and find out.

Good luck with your surgery,  Diane

Hi there,
  I had my RNY on Jan 27th, and my first day back to work was this past Monday, Feb 23rd.  I wish I would have taken more time..I too have a desk job, but having to concentrate for 8 hours plus remember to drink and take vitamins is exhausting. On Monday I was so tired when I got off of work that I just wanted to sleep.  I am doing better today, but more time off would have been awesome.  Just my 2 cents

Hi there,

When I had my Rny, I took a total of 6 weeks off. I could have gone back after 4weeks. But since I was already on Disability, I thought ..I have never used it and had put money towards it. It's up to you, but if you can afford it, take the most amount of time.


I hope this helps.

Julie

thank you to all *****sponded!  I had four hour class at Kaiser today and found out they will authorize up to 4 weeks for disability if it is needed. But definitely nothing less than 2 weeks off before going back to work.  So guess I'll just see where I am come April 1st ^_^  After my class today, I'm feeling a whole lot better regarding all my questions...but man! is there alot to sort out and plan!  It will take me at least 2 weeks to just figure out eating, vitamins, water, vitamins, eating, water, vitamins..and on and on and on...LOL

After 9 surgeries in the past 5 years, here is my take on returning to work... If your job is secure... I say take 6-8 weeks off,  you are having MAJOR surgery lap or open it is major surgery and there are the head issues that you have to deal with on top of that. If you can give yourself time.


HUGS
JOY

Hi Joy
thank yu for chirping in...I've only had 1 major surgery and I remember taking 6 weeks off.  My job is secure (thank the Lord!) but I'm entering our 'busy' season beginning in April...and nobody wants to be cross-trained to handle my work load. Soooo, it's get back to work as soon as I can.  I may stretch it to another week as long as recovery is going well and nothing unexpected pops up. 
BTW...was down your way just a couple of weeks ago...took a scooter ride down to the Railroad Museum..that is such a fun place..seeing all the old old locomotives ^_^  Thanks again for responding..need all the advise I can get LOL
Nancy aka Sunray