Should I Take Time Off From Work After Surgery?

[Domika03 309]

Hi,

My surgery is Friday, and I was planning on going back to work next Monday. I've heard several people say that they went back to work right away. Am I being unrealistic? Should I take a few days off next week just to be safe?

What did everyone else do after lapband (possible plication too)?

Thanks for the feedback.

[SageTracey 608]

It really depends on the type of work that you do, how you tolerate pain, how quickly the gas/shoulder pain passes for you, how you react to a general anaesthetic.

I'm a desk jockey and my surgeon recommended two weeks off which I took and was grateful for. I could probably have gone back after a week but that wouldn't have been fair to my employer as I would have been operating at a much lower standard than usual. Fortunately here in Australia, sick leave is for when you are sick or medically unfit to work and I was able to use mine as required.

[Pheath 38]

I am 3 days post op today, I have LB with plication Friday and there is no way I could have gone today. I say definitely take a few more days.

[spartanpower 8]

Depends on surgery and any complications. I found I felt good 6 days out, but over did it and was beat tired. I think u have to listen to your body and pocketbook. If you can afford to br off longer u might consider it.

[♕ajtexas♕ 3,771]

I took 1 week off and am very thankful for that. If I could I would have taken 2. You might want to see if you can take more time.

[Iamtiffers 9]

I had my surgery on a Wednesday, and there was no way I could have sat at a desk that next Monday.

It was day 10 until I started feeling better. I think swelling?

Today I feel great, Wednesday will be 2 weeks.

[purpleangel238 3]

I had the lapband on July 25th. I was off for about 3 weeks - just returning to work this week. I was really only planning to take off about 2 weeks because I was going to travel out of state the 3rd week but my doctors recommended that I not travel so far after the surgery just in case of any complications. Honestly, I am glad I had the time off. Realistically, after 1 week I was not able to do much of anything...eat, drink, sleep, sit up, etc. Talk with your doctor but at least give yourself a week (maybe more), if you can.

[Doodledo73 7]

I had Lapband surgery on Thursday and went back to work on Monday. Im pretty much on my feet all day at work and I was fine. It all depends on how you feel. Everyone is different.

[Riker990 6]

I had surgery on a Thursday and returned to work for a half day the following Friday (a week and a day). My job is a lot of walking back and forth and standing. I didn't feel bad pain-wise, but I had NO energy. That was the hardest to deal with, I can't imagine going back after just the weekend.

[Domika03 309]

Thanks so much everyone for the great feedback! I think I will take some time off next week. I have the ability to work from home so I'll play that by ear.