Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Going back to work after surgery?



Recommended Posts

I was banded on Sunday, and returned to a miserable day of work on Thursday. I think everyone is different. I test kids, so I had to bring things with me, and even though I used a wheeled cart, pulling and pushing uses your abdominal muscles, so by the time 5 rolled around my back was throbbing, my portside was aching and I just wanted to crawl in a bed. Take it easy, take your pain meds and listen to your body.

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

To offer my 2 cents, recovery may take longer with staples. I had staples and it was awful(torture) to even bend over to do anything. My suggestion to everyone is ask what will be used to close incusions. If staples ask for another option, this will help with recovery time. Good Luck on ur journey!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A former coworker of mine had the procedure done on a Thursday and was back at work on the following Tuesday.

I had my procedure done last Friday and was scheduled to start my new dream job this Wednesday. On Tuesday I felt a lot better, and I think I could have begun work on Wednesday, but I decided to delay my start date (at Boss's suggestion) to next Monday, to give myself the added time to recover.

I have spent the last 2 days sorting through my closet and organizing it (a VERY daunting task!), purging clothing items to give away. I've had to take a break every hour or so because my back hurt from standing.

The gas pain is the worst! I heartily recommend getting Gas X strips or chewables. It was a lifesaver for me!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had surgery on Monday and was back to work on Thursday. I have a desk job, so it wasn't too bad but I do have quite a commute. However, I was able to manage just fine.

I can honestly say that the surgery wasn't as terrible as I thought it was going to be. My incisions are all healed and look good, too. (I'm a month out) I can't even tell I had anything done. :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am intriged that noone seems to factor pain meds into the return to work analysis. Seeing how loratab is liquid vicodin, it would seem that DRIVING to work would be problematic unless you are pain med free....just because a person "feels ok" doesn't mean that they are not driving under the influence.... for me, I'm really glad I took 2 weeks, as this is the end of the 1st week and I'm still hurting with pain meds every 3-4 hours....can't imagine going to the office in 2 days.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was lortab free for two days before going back to work. I only took it twice - day of surgery and day after. After that, I just switched over to basic Aleve. I also didn't have staples. I had sutures under the skin and taped sutures on top. So, my pain level was not too bad. I think it various for everyone. My biggest incision was in my belly button and my others were really small.

I do agree - if you're on Lortab or something heavy for the pain, do not drive. I didn't go anywhere while taking mine. But, then by Wednesday I was moving around well and Thursday went in to work.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I sub teach and went back on day 5, probably, didn't feel really good but was ok to work

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×