Time Off Work! Help Please!

[kynelson 0]

I'm scheduled to have my surgery in June and my work is not very flexible with me needing time off. I sit at a desk all day answering phones, so there is no lifting of anything, and sometimes I have to get up to take things to other peoples desks such as papers or messages. I was thinking of 3-4 days off at the most. Is that realistic?

[Holly Dolly 575]

I would opt for the 4 days off!

[SashaWLS 412]

I had my surgery on Weds and was back to work on Monday... I wished I had one or two more days because I found it hard to sit upright for that long. However, I got through the day and was ok. WIPED OUT by night, but not in pain or anything... You should be fine whatever happens, but if you can grab a weekend to heal as well as the few days off, I think you'll be better for it.

[TKW 501]

You might be a little uncomfortable but it's do-able.

I had surgery on Tuesday and could have easily gone back to work on Monday.

I took 2 weeks off cuz I had the time coming.

[dhales 98]

I had my surgery on a Tuesday and went back the following Monday. I started to feel "normal" on that Saturday. I would opt for 4 days. You also may feel weak from the limited calories you are able to consume.

[Pollyanna12 74]

Go for the 4 days. I had surgery Tuesday and went back the next Tuesday but worked part days the rest of the week. I work at a desk but it a very stressful job. You should qualify for FMLA at your work and then I don't think they can deny you the time off.

[kbliss78 123]

I have been told by my surgeon that people have returned to work the next day. He said they would likely be miserable but he said as soon as I can go without pain meds I can go to work. He also stated he felt everyone should be back to work in 5 days. He said laying around at home delays healing and to get moving so you get feeling better. I have surgery tommorow (5/8) which is a Tuesday and I will return to work Monday. That is my choice.

[angbutler0712 30]

The longer the better. The biggest shock to me was how exhausted I was! when you're only taking in 400-600 calories a day, your energy is pretty much non-existent. For the first 4-5 days I would take two naps a day.. I couldn't stay awake. Plus your body is healing and that takes it out of you. If you're planning on going back after 3 days, you will most likely still be experiencing gas pains in your shoulders and chest area. Honestly, this was the worst part of the surgery for me. But it could be different for you.

I'm sure you'd be fine going back after 3-4 days, but you'll probably be miserable.

If your insurance is covering your surgery, you may be able to take short term disablility. That's what I did. I was able to get the doctor recommended three weeks off without using vacation time or fearing that I'll lose my job. I didn't even ask my doctor for paperwork, he automatically handed it to me because they strongly suggest all their patients take 3 weeks to heal and learn to eat with their band.

Good luck to you!!

[Maddy1 55]

It will really depend on your own body's response to the surgery. I had off 3 weeks and I can tell you the first two I was not ready to go back. I had a lot of pain and struggled to get up out of bed by myself or up out of a chair. I only had tylenol with codiene for pain so not sure if it just wasn't enough for me or what. The last week was good to have as I transitioned to mushy food and it gave me a chance to practice that. Also, I am 61 so I am sure that had something to do with it.

[SageTracey 608]

My surgeon recommended two weeks and I am glad that I took them. The anaesthetic always knocks me about for a week, plus I had shoulder pain for about 10 days. I was able to get mobile at home but at my own pace, plus I could rest/nap as needed. Take as long as you possibly can.

[m3ch3ll 0]

I am a nurse and I went back to work 4 days post op. I haven't had any problems.

[JustDoIt130 369]

I have a very sedentary job, had surgery Thursday and was back to work on Monday. A bit tired bit it really wasn't bad.