One of my assignments this next school year will be an elective for 8th graders. The class will be a newspaper class. I have not been told anything other than that. I am supposing that we will produce a school newspaper once a month. Do any of you have any ideas? Do you know of any good software? HELP! judy

I told them 4 weeks, but felt great at 2 weeks, so went back at 3 weeks. I teach special ed. and have a co-worker in class who had the surgery two years ago, so I knew I would have her support. I was afraid I might have bad days and need to go home, but no, I haven't missed a day. I am so glad I went ahead with it when I did. I couldn't wait for summer. Now I am teaching summer school. Financially this was a better choice cause I could use my sick leave for the surgery and still work extended year. My surgery was Apr. 6.

Cindy, I had my surgery on 11/23/04 and was back to work on 12/1/04. I am a special ed teacher and had a choice on what goes on in my class. So if you can take it easy then you can go back as soon as you feel better as long as your doctor agrees. To be honest with you I started back to work on the Monday after my sugery doing after school. WE all have different healing times and different doctors. I pray that you have a chance to have the sugery in the summer though!

Cindy, I don't see what surgery you're having. I had lap band surgery last May 17th (2004) and took off the last two weeks of school. However, I had my surgery on Monday and met my class of 2nd graders at the park that Friday for about an hour and then went to school for another hour or so! So then I had the whole next week off, but I was feeling pretty good, but got tired easily. I went for the last 1/2 day of school on Thursday and then stayed for the 1/2 day teacher luncheon and workday. Lap band recovery is a lot quicker than the other surgeries, though. I've heard most RNYers say between 4-6 weeks. ERyn 420/330/under 200

Cindy, Sure hope you will get your wish for a summer surgery! My surgery was April 27th. I had an open RNY. I teach full time also - junior high. My surgeon's letter to my principal said to expect me to be off 4-6 weeks. My principal told me to take my time and come back when I felt like it. (He does NOT know what kind of surgery I had. Most of the people and students think I had gallbladder surgery. This was my choice as I did not feel that my surgery was anyone's business.) After two weeks at home I started going stir-crazy. I am returning next Monday, May 23. This is just short of four weeks. I certainly could have returned last week. I also thought about waiting 'til June to return. This is because "things" are happening at school with discipline, drugs, etc. I felt I didn't need the added stress. However, staying home everyday is getting boring and I'm spending too much money. Before I left for surgery, I lined up a long-term sub. She came in a few days to different periods to observe my routine and meet some of the kids. I was lucky that most of the kids already knew and respected her. This was a great comfort to me. Everytime I call school I find that she is doing great. If you end up having surgery during the school year, find a good sub who is willing to stay the entire time you are out. I also had all lessons and papers run off for at least 5 weeks. Judy