Question:
recovery time
How long did it take you guys to return to work or regular routine after Lacropscopic RNY? How long can a person sit for or stand up for after recovery? I should hopefully have surgery on 6/13/08 But currently enrolled in college and will finish in Aug 7, thats why I asked how long can one sit for and returning back to work, I sit at a desk but at times do alot of running around.....thanks in advance for your responses ....Jannette — Jan D. (posted on April 30, 2008)
April 30, 2008
First of all...congratulations on your surgery date. I had my surgery on
June 14, 2006. My surgery was supposed to be lap, but ended up being open
due to some unforseen circumstances....I was set to go back to work by July
4th. Other complications delayed that a couple more weeks. The important
thing to remember is that everyone is different. Don't rush yourself after
the surgery....listen to your body and take the time you need.
— cburky911
April 30, 2008
I went back to work after a week with my lap bypass. I did everything I
could to get into better shape before surgery. I walked on my treadmill as
much as possible and I truly believe that was a big help in my recovery.
You are supposed to get up about every 45 minutes and walk around. If I
couldnt get up right when I should I raised and lowered my legs and just
moved them as much as I could. I think blood clots are most common the
first few weeks. Sitting shouldn't be too bad depending on the chairs.
Most of us still have back pain early on from gas. I also drove after a
few days and went shopping on the 5th day after surgery. You get a little
whoosy sometimes so make it short you only eating a few hundred calories a
day at this point. And of course you will be very tired the few weeks, I
used to be a night owl but even now I'm in bed by 10 - 11 at night. It
sounds corny but keeping a positive attitude is really important, I had a
plan and stuck to it as best I could. Good Luck on your journey to good
health.
— ToniLee
April 30, 2008
I went back to work 2 weeks after surgery. I could have gone back after a
week but the dr wanted me out. I had no pain when I went home. None at all.
I never took a pain pill. Sitting , standing laying down it was no
different any way. Good luck and get ready for your new life. It is the
best thing that has ever happened to me.
— Joanc
April 30, 2008
most people go back anywhere from 2-6 weeks depends on your doctor and you.
— Alvernlaw
April 30, 2008
Congratulations on your surgery date! I had laparoscopic RNY surgery
4/21/08. I am still out of work. Mentally I am ready to return but
physically not able to put in a full 40+ hours. Follow your Dr.'s
directions when you get home...don't over-do it! I did and regret it. No
lifting, no bending, take time to rest and drink, drink, drink all your
water (it's very important or you will get dehydrated)!!! So to answer your
question, I would give it a good 2 full weeks but listen to your Dr. and
let him/her be the judge. Good luck on your journey. Patti
— Momof2gr8kdz
April 30, 2008
Other than being overweight, I'm basically a healthy person. It took me
three weeks to get back to work, in an office environment but also a lot of
walking around. Don't rush things, everyone is different. I felt three
weeks was appropriate for me however my surgeon's office thought it was
kind of quick.
— Donna_in_PA
April 30, 2008
I sit alot at my job too, and I had no complications at all, but still
needed 5 weeks to heal up.you will be in pain and a classroom is the last
place you will want to be if you need to lay down. Not to mention you will
be on pain meds and they make it a bit hard to concentrate.Best wishes on
your journey!
— [Deactivated Member]
April 30, 2008
Toni is right. The better condition you are in before surgery, the quiker
you will heal physically. Be especially diligent ablut getting your
protein after surgery. I'm talking 60-80 grams. You'll likely have to
drink a lot of it. The time off is helpful to figure out your energy and
eatting patterns so it is not such a stress when you rejoin the
"real" world. I took 5 of the six weeks that my surgeon
suggested, and I am glad that I did. Even though I had no complications at
all, It gave me the opportunity to get plenty of rest and figure out how to
handle my food, etc. Jan, in your particular situation, with school and
everything else young people are involved in (I know 'cause my daughter is
married, going to school full time, and working 30 hours a week), I would
recommend you take the summer semester off or do online classes or
open-ended independent study. In other words, leave yourself the
opportunity to concentrate on learning your new tool and take care of
yourself. If you are on campus all day and running helter skelter you may
find yourself clinging to the old grab anything to eat habits, and this is
not what you want to do. You will learn what foods you can get by with in
those situations, but that is not what you want to to at the onset. If you
care for anymore detailed, motherly advice email [email protected]
Wishing you health and success!
— canim150
April 30, 2008
Jannette...I went back to work a week after surgery...however, I could only
work half days (and I was the boss, so I could take it easy!)...I still had
my drain tube in!!! I had lost a lot of blood, so I was extremely weak for
an entire month. So, if you work at a desk all day...you can do it...just
take it easy and if you feel weak...GO HOME...and make sure you get up and
walk around ALOT throughout the day. Congrats...check out my
profile...this surgery changed (and saved) my life! Yours is going to
improve so much too! Samantha
— Samantha M.
April 30, 2008
I had my lap RNY on 3-10-08. I went back to work at 2 weeks. I was sore
especially on my left side (thats normal). I did ok it hurt to bend
sideways especially to my left side but other than that I did well. Best of
luck to you! angela
— AuntThat
April 30, 2008
I ended up having my RNY open not lap and was able to return to work in two
weeks...I also have a desk job. The one thing that holds you back is the
fatigue that you get after surgery. Just make sure that you get plenty to
drink and you should be fine barring any complications. Congratulations on
your surgery date.
— deebunny38
May 1, 2008
Jan, you can't cram in major surgery into a busy life. It will knock you
off your feet for a short time. Some people it is just a week or so,
others like me, I was out of work for 6 weeks and needed every day. I had
a normal good surgery and no complications, but I needed 6 weeks to
recover. Prepare your teachers and get some family support, and take one
day at a time. I am excited for you, but don't blind yourself to think you
will get up the next day and be like the day before surgery, it just won't
happen that way. If you push too soon after surgery you set yourself up
for hernias and complications. When you have MAJOR surgery you need MAJOR
recovery. Be careful and be wise. Take care. Patricia P.
— Patricia P
May 1, 2008
Congrats on your date. The thing to remember is everybody is different. I
went back after four weeks and could have used another two. I'm in an
office environment that is pretty hectic so I was exhausted for a while. Be
sure and get your protein in, drink your water and walk every day,
— SLittle1
May 1, 2008
I had a RNY on December 5 and was in the hospital for 5 days due to some
problems breathing following surgery. I came home on a Monday morning and
was up and around the house, in my office on Wednesday. I started back
with my personal trainer at they gym the following Monday and went to work
that day. I have to drive 55 miles each way to work, and I am often away
from my desk on another floor many times during the day. I work at home on
Fridays, but my wife has her office on the second floor of our house and I
am on the ground floor, so I am still up and down all day. I never felt
better, the frist 6 weeks were very hard, with pain from time to time, and
learning to eat a bag lunch of only meats, low fat dairy and fresh
vegatables. I would never go back to my old habits, but the first 6 weeks
you will ask yourself what did I do? Live with it, stick to the diet and
excersize and your will never regreat it. I am almost 100 lbs less after 5
months. Those who laughed at me at work as they ate there ho-ho's are now
asking if they can go with me to a support meeting and to hear my doctor.
Congrad's on your decision to have a RNY. By the way, I took 19 drugs, and
had type II Diabities, high blood pressure and high Colestrol, and today I
have non of that. Only take one drug for synthroid and my Bariatrics
Vitimuns, Calicium, Iron and B-12 spray.
— William (Bill) wmil
May 1, 2008
I work two full time jobs and I was back at full strength in 2 weeks.
Everyone is different but its possible to get right back into it...I
reccomend it!
— rmalwick
May 1, 2008
Hello,
I too am a college student. I had my surgery not quite 3 months ago. I had
it during the sand was only out for a week. I was pretty much back to
normal within a week.
— Sillyguts
May 1, 2008
First of all, you want to move around after surgery. I had it March of
this year and I got up and moving as quickly as possible. I work from home
and sit at a computer most of the time. My doctor made me buy a small
timer and I had to promise to get up and walk every hour. It really did
help. I actually started back working 3 days after surgery, the day after
I came home from the hospital. Just keep in mind, not to over do it and
keep moving as much as possible. It helps with the soreness and also keeps
you from having blood clots. Good Luck with your surgery and keep in
mind.......this is the best thing you have EVER done for yourself! God
Bless You!
— EugeneHinson
Click Here to Return