How long should I take off work after surgery???

[jblady 0]

Whew! This process is moving along very fast. In September I became interested in WLS after I was deathly afraid for my sister to have VGB WLS. In the process of researching I came across Lap Band Surgery and decided this was the most logical WLS out there for me. It definitely seemed much safer and could help to address the issue of overeating (even the good foods). My apprehension of my sister getting WLS actually helped me to choose WLS, what a turnaround.

Well my reason for posting is to ask about how long people normally take off work after lap band surgery (or will be taking off). I have read in posts from days to 3 weeks. I have finished my 3 dietician visits, primary physician visits, psych visit and have solid support from all three. The only thing I am waiting for is the surgeon to call me after the team has approved me as a good candidate to schedule our appointment. After that I wait for insurance approval. They told me it would be about a month before I get a surgery date. I am a teacher and am trying to plan the surgery date to provide as little disruption as necessary. I can't wait until our spring break because our board and union agreed to change everyone to a different insurance as of April 1st. Do you think it's possible for me to take Thursday and Friday off right before a Monday mid-semester break day? That would be 5 days off---it really would be nice if I could have the surgery Wednesday afternoon!

What do you think? I was trying to have all my appointments done before Winter Vacation, but appts wouldn't line up. I don't want to tell anyone at my job, they gossip way too much.

[emsbugbug 7]

I think that is plenty of time. I had my surgery on a Thursday and was back at work on Tuesday. I know several who went back on Monday after Thursday surgery. It really all depends on how your body responds, but I think that 5 days off is a good idea.

[Linnielady 4]

I think it is an individual thing as to how long one needs to take off. Depending on you type of job has a lot to do with it to. I teach and know how demanding that job is. On your feet all day an such. I had my surgery last Thursday the 23rd and have this whole week off. I could have gone back probably today but would think it may have been a little to soon. By Monday I will be ready to go back. That is when I'm expected to go back also. And, I have told only 1 person at work. Don't wanted to hear anything negative and such. I'm as happy as a clam for making that decision. Its my decision to make and my decision to tell if I so choose too. Good for you and I wish you the best of luck.

[Kalipso2 25]

i had my surgery on a monday and went back to work that following tuesday. i probably could have gone back that monday but i was scared lol

[andrea0121 28]

I had surgery on the 8th and went back on the 20th.

My port sits high, or my boobs are so big that they sit on the port...one or the other...so sitting in a chair was very uncomfortable for me for the first week+. Sounds like a lame excuse but it's feasible, I also had to go buy no underwire bras so that I could go back to work and sit all day, hahah. I would say no less than a week to play it on the safe side.

Good Luck!

[muelle 64]

I had my surgery on a Monday and went back to school on the following Monday. I was very glad I didn't have any classes on the following Tuesday, because Monday wore me out and sitting was difficult. I also had a hiatal hernia repair and I think that effected me also. In all I had 17 staples and my port incision is about 3 inches long so I had some healing to do. I agree with Linnielady though, I think it is different for everyone. Good luck, and plan for the worst in taking time off, you can always go back early

[sunflowergirl 0]

I had surgery on a Thursday and went back on the following Monday. I didn't tell any of my co-workers and only took Thursday and Friday off. I really wish that I had taken a few more days off to recoup. I sit at a desk all day, and the hardest part was the pressure on my port and band. Like a previous poster, my underwire bra was very uncomfortable. Recovery really is an individual thing and also depends on age, physical ailments, attitude, etc. Good luck with your surgery!

[Dreamingof139 3]

I flew to Cancun on a Thursday, had surgery on Friday evening, flew home Saturday and drove the few hours from the airport home on Sunday. I was wiped out, but I was fine to be at my desk job on Monday. No one knew where I was or what I was doing.

[banding12 1]

I had surgery on Dec. 14,2010 and was back at work on Dec.17,2010 so from Tuesday to Friday then had the weekend off. I have a desk job which helped alot but the moving around made me feel so much better, I didn't suffer with gas pains or really much pain at all. Wishing you all the best in you journey.

[Whey ready 1]

I have a very demanding job, RN in the level 1 trauma center for a 50mile radius, let's just say I run all night long, get kicked/spit/punched at, and have to bend and lift like I'm a weight builder...I had surgery on wed, back to work the following Friday and that was almost too much time off...I think one solid week and I could have gone back...I'm at triage now b/c the doc didn't want a psych pt to try to hit me so I have an additional 2 weeks "light duty" but I still do everything my job requires except take violent people

[mandyb 3]

I planned on staying home for 2 weeks....I work as a Case Manager for Adults with Developmental Disabilities...! I ended up taking 3 weeks off! I was eager to get back to work and just went back Tuesday...I am home today b/c I am just not feeling to great! The Constipation is just so bad I can't even eat!

I am amazed at how fast things move along for some people. I started my journey in April (First initial visit) and was banded Dec 6th. So 8 months for me to wait! Go to classes and everything else they make you do...

Good luck!!!

[mandyb 3]

I had surgery on the 8th and went back on the 20th.

My port sits high, or my boobs are so big that they sit on the port...one or the other...so sitting in a chair was very uncomfortable for me for the first week+. Sounds like a lame excuse but it's feasible, I also had to go buy no underwire bras so that I could go back to work and sit all day, hahah. I would say no less than a week to play it on the safe side.

Good Luck!

I know what you mean about the Bra!!!! I always wear underwire and they are killing me at the moment! I feel like its causing me heart burn and pushing in on the band itself! I am so comfortable without it on, but afraid the girls will sag even more!!! I always hated being big busted!!!

[sophinator 2]

I'm a teacher and am having the same dilemma...I asked my dr. about it and he told me he only does surgeries at the surgery center I have to go to (because of insurance) on Fridays...so I am hoping to do it on a holiday weekend and go back by Wednesday...we will see. Best of luck to you!

[carolann0117 5]

I had my surgery this past Monday. I was back to work on Wed. I know I was pushing it. It's the end of the year and my job is VERY demanding. I actually had my husband drive me. Went to work again today.....now I'm ready for a long 3 day weekend and looking forward to just relaxing. If my job wasn't soooooooooooooooo important (my husband was laid off, so I can't compromise mine).... I would have given myself another day or two.

I was very lucky in that I didn't have ANY pain after the surgery.... just a little tired and felt run down. I'm feeling much better today.

Still no pain... just some itching at my wound sites.

Feeling well enough that tomorrow I'm planning on hitting my favorite store and use my gift card.

[AlienBandit 10]

Just as everyone has said everyone is different after surgery. I didn't tell my work or ask for time off. I had my surgery on a Saturday afternoon and went back on the Monday. As a teacher it was a bit of a challenge but being on my feet helped get rid of the gas ( my doc wanted me to stay in the hospital longer because he thought my lungs might collapse but I didnt stay) which helped me recover faster.