Question:
Has anyone ever returned to work one week after Lap-RNY?
If I ever get approved, would like to know what to tell my employer how long I will be out of work. — COMBAT G. (posted on May 24, 2001)
May 24, 2001
I returned to a full-time office position 8 days after my lap RNY; my
daughter returned to teaching a classroom of 4 year olds 14 days after her
lap RNY. We had no problems returning to work in that time frame and did
very well, but we certainly were more easily fatigued than usual and
probably not "at our best" for another week or so. A lap RNY is
STILL a major surgery involving general anesthesia, and everyone has
differing responses post-op. We were instructed not to lift more than 15
lbs. in the first 6 weeks after surgery....not a problem for me, but a
challenge for my daughter in her situation. Your upper abdomen will be
tender for a couple of weeks, you will need more rest and sleep than usual,
you will have lifting restrictions....you're the only one who knows what
your general health is and how you normally "bounce back" after
an illness or surgery. Evaluate your job description carefully and make a
decision based on all those factors. My personal opinion is that going
back is one week is "do-able", but 2 weeks would give you an
optimal period for recovery.
— Diana T.
May 24, 2001
With a name like "Combat Girl" you sound tough enough to take on
anything! :) I had open RNY back in Feb. I was released from the hospital
on a Friday and went to work for a half a day on the following Friday...I
have a desk job and work with family so I had the luxury of working when
and how long I wanted to...I was definately exhausted after just 4 hours!
It depends alot on what kind of work you do, but you'll be able to tell
what you're feeling up to...I was lucky that I didn't have much pain after
surgery and was back to "normal" within a short period of time.
Listen to your body and take the time if you need it! Good luck with
everything!!
— DolcezzaVT
May 24, 2001
I returned back to work 2 wks post-op. No problems. I have a desk job and
was not tired at all. I did however tell my employer that I would be out
4-6 just in case there were any complications. Luckily, I returned after 2
wks.
— Carina H.
May 24, 2001
I returned to work after 2 weeks, but I have a desk job. The first week
back was very rough, I went home and took a hour nap after work. I was
total wiped out work was all I could do. Good Luck.
— Danielle F.
May 25, 2001
My sister, brother-in-law and myself all have had Lap RNY. We were ALL
back to work in 1 week following our surgery. We all have desk jobs. I
was never tired or anything and alot of it was because I was off all pain
meds by the 2nd day after surgery.
Best wishes.
— T.L. S.
May 25, 2001
I had a Lap RNY on Wed.,May 9, 2001. I was in the hospital until Saturday.
I worked from home May 14-18 and was back in the office on May 21 with no
problems. You will be tired but it's definitely possible.
— Christine B.
May 29, 2001
I had a open RNY in February. I was released from the hospital on Friday
and returned to work on Tuesday. I had no problems at all. I do however
have a desk job so did not have to worry about lifting or anything.
— CHERYL B.
May 14, 2004
5-14-04 I had opern RNY on Wed, April 14th and return to work on Tuesday
april 20th. I have a desk job so there was not any lifting or pulling
involved. I was tired about 2:00 and then I wen home and walked and then
felt better. I was sore but it was not that bad. Good luck.
— mowermen
May 14, 2004
I went back to work after 2 weeks, but I let my employer know that the
possibility of my being out for up to 6 weeks was very strong. Nobody
knows how fast they're going to heal, even from lap.
I would recommend saying that you'll be out anywhere from 2-6 weeks.
Then again, your surgeon may have a requirement that you're out for a
certain amount of time (4 weeks, 6 weeks, etc.). You may want to consult
with him/her.
Best of luck to you!
— sunneegirl
May 14, 2004
Every one is different. I'm a quick healer, and had no complications, but
there's no way I could ahve gone back to work in one week. I was out 13
calendar days--could have gone back on calendar day 10 or 11, but it was a
weekend. My doc put three to four weeks on my paperwork just in case I
needed that long. He released me sooner when I aked him to, but he did not
expect me to work that soon, and cautioned me to take it easy and get
plenty of res. Your body is trying to heal and takes a lot of your energy
to do that. I wouldn't push it.
— Vespa R.
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