Any tips for returning to work?

[Escape_Pod 358]

I've got a few more days of scheduled leave before I have to return to work. I'm currently debating returning a little early and doing two half-days, vs. using all the leave I've scheduled but having to do a full 8-hour day my first day back.

I hadn't really thought about the fact that my first days back in the office will also be my first days trying pureed foods - seems like it could be a risky combination! I may stick with Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch and try out purees at dinner - I REALLY don't want to get sick at work. My colleagues mostly know I was out for "surgery", but not what kind.

Any tips or words of wisdom for those first days back? Emergency supplies I should bring to the office?

Thanks!

[Chatty 0]

Hi Escape Pod

I'm guessing we're a few days apart, I'm on day 5 after surgery and obviously will have another week on fluids before I can go pureed. However, I've been dreaming about that time

Could you try - egg custard (without the pastry) for your lunch? or maybe a cup a Soup, with bits sieved out. - stewed fruit and custard (that's something I've been almost fantasising about) - or if you don't want it to look obvious, how about a small banana and just chewing it really, really well - mushing in one's mouth, before swallowing? If you have a microwave, could you do scrambled egg?

Very simple basic ideas, I know. Hope it helps?

[Amanda131 214]

Hi Escape-

I think returning early so that you have the option of a couple of 1/2 days is a great idea. I am not sure how long you have been off. I took 5 days off before returning to my job as a highschool administrator. I was able to dictate my schedule so I made the first few days mostly office work. I was able to work full 8 hour days the first two days but I took a 1/2 day on Wednesday for the first two weeks. Having that middle of the week half-day to rest and recover was a huge lifesaver for me. I would also suggest evening naps when you get home for the first couple of weeks (if you can manage it). That 30-45 minutes of rest really helped me as well. I was very tired from weeks 1-4 as my body adjusted to the extreme change in calories.

As for what to have at work with you, I had plenty of G2, Protein shakes, cup of Soups (tomato and cream of chicken) and greek yogurt. The cup of Soups and yogurt worked really well at disguising that I had weight-loss surgery since those are common things co-workers had for Snacks and drinks. As you get into mushies, I also had 100 calorie cheese packets, etc.

Best of luck to you!

Amanda

[Infernored 5]

I was back to work a week postop and it's a busy walking all day kinda job (I'm an RN in a busy recovery room). Just to make things easier, even now at work I really only have my Protein Drinks and water/crystal light. I don't get hungry, but sometimes feel empty, but nothing a few sips of water/protein couldn't fix. If I'm going to eat, I'd rather be at home where I could actually enjoy it. I find that eggs and bananas are really filling. I can only eat one egg now, unlike before surgery where I probably could have had 4+. I found that all the activity decreased any soreness I had around my belly. Wear loose clothes, especially if you have a drain. Especially stretchy pants. Good luck, either way you do schedule yourself, you will do great!

[Escape Pod 7]

Thanks! With the food, I'm mostly concerned about not tolerating something new and getting sick at work. I hear many people have picky sleeves that don't tolerate certain foods well, or foods are fine one day and not the next. I figured it might be hard to work through all that with meals at work.

I also want to make sure I remember things like my mug warmer for broth, a whisk for mixing those shakes, extra liquid Tylenol, just in case.... Just thought others might have a list of things they wanted on hand.

[Infernored 5]

Yeah, I tried food.at work and I would feel kinda ill afterwards. Try it st home first until you know how much you can take. Also, if I do ever bring food, its pre measured in a little container so you can't overdo it.

[fairyfaye 9]

Hi ya I'm now 8 weeks post op but in the beginning I just stuck with Soup for lunch as it was so easy and I didn't feel sick after.

I did get sick at work when I moved on to more solid food but only because people made comments about how little I was eating. I would eat new things away from others at first but now I just say I had a big Breakfast.

Try scrambled eggs, backed Beans, or soup. Things do get so much easier I now have things like crackers and cheese, humose, and soup still when I'm feeling a little stressed.

Good luck and remember to rest when you get home each evening! X x x