Question:
Has anyone had open/lap surgery with a physical job to go back to?
I am going to have wls soon, but I have a very physical job. I need to be able to lift 50lbs or more to be able to return to work. Does anyone out there have a physical job similar to mine? How long did it take before you could go back to work? Any help would be appreceiated. I am scared to death about the surgery also. I never had any kind of surgery before. I need an angel! — sue S. (posted on August 25, 2002)
August 25, 2002
My surgeons rule was lift nothing over 20 pounds for a month if LAP. Open
its at least twice as long. Thats because opens are at a great risk for
hernias, 30% get at least one because the muscle wall is cut. LAPS almost
never get incisional hernias. I am self employeed and cheated a bit. Went
back to work part time just over a week ost op. Gee was it boring just
sitting around. I lifted carefully some 80 pound machines if nevcessary. By
almost a month I moved large number of 20 pound packages plus all sorts of
heavy stuff just under 100 pounds. Moved maybe 48,000 pounds of stuff in a
2 or 3 week period. Unload truck, 12,000 pounds load delivery vehicle same
weight, then put on cart and drag in building, then unload into pile at
customers site. Repetive moving, doing the same thing right now, I sell
stuff to schools, its my busy time...
— bob-haller
August 25, 2002
I am having Open RNY soon, and it's nothing over TEN pounds for SIX weeks.
I know that some people go back to work sooner, but personally, I am
looking forward to some time off! I am planning on taking the full six
weeks, I don't want to go back to work and be bored with paperwork that's
not even a normal part of my job, so why not stay home and take care and
pamper myself?
Good luck to you.
— Terri Z.
August 25, 2002
Sue, I think everyone is different in this area, but I am 7 weeks out and
just returned to work last week. The first couple days weren't so bad, but
I only worked 3 hours on those days. On Saturday however I worked for 8
1/2 hours and didn't lift anything heavy but was runnin my butt off and now
I am so sore, especially around my belly button. I don't know if I will
call into work tomorrow and tell them I can't make it or not. They are
already getting irritated at the thought that I have taken 7 wks off. As
for your question.....if it were me I would wait 3 or more months and get
Dr. approval before lifting 50 lbs. Good Luck!
— DRutherford
August 26, 2002
Hi Sue, I had an open RNY May 9 2002. I am also an RN who has to lift heavy
patients. My doc made me stay out 8 weeks and I am glad he did. My first
day back I was so totally exhausted, I slept till noon the next day!
Remember, you are having MAJOR surgery and you have to let your body heal.
My best to you!
— Gina D.
August 26, 2002
Sue, I work EMS here in NYC and I don't think there is a job out there
where I would have to lift anything heavier or do more physical labor.
(Atleast one that I could physically get). I often carry very large
patients up and down several flights of stairs on a chair or long board,
climb stairs with equipment, and many other things that I would prefer not
to do :) I am going back to work tomorrow (8/27) and I had Open RNY on June
6th. I will be just about 12 weeks post-op. My doctor gave me the option of
staying out a bit longer than most people just b/c of my job and it's
duties. I could have went back earlier (maybe 2 weeks ago), but I wanted to
make sure it was 100% safe. Do what you feel is right, and listen to your
doctor AND your body. My funds are VERY low, so I wanted to get this ball
rolling....but I opted to wait so that I wouldn't be out of work again in a
few weeks with a hernia or worse. Good luck!
— Kelly C.
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