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

How long should I expect to be off work



Recommended Posts

I'm new to this site so i'm just figuring it out! I thought I posed a topic but can't find it so unsure what I did wrong. Ok on to my topic. I'm basically trying to determine how long I might need to be off work. I am a office manager so my job does not reqire alot of walking. I'm usually at a desk on the computer all day. Any help?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What I have heard is the surgeon will discuss this with you. In our pre-op education classes they stated that 4 weeks off is about right, but some people feel well enough to go back after 3 weeks off. You just have to take it easy, no heavy lifting whatsoever in the first two weeks after surgery while you are healing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I will start off by saying everyone is different and I have a very easy (no lifting) job.

I was back at my desk at 12 days post op. I could have returned earlier but I went out of town to Celebrate my dad's 80th birthday. I returned home on day 11 and was at work on day 12.

Best of luck to you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went to Mexico for my surgery as well and I requested a full 3 weeks off. I also work a desk job, but I felt like I was glad to have taken off that much time. I didn't have to deal with the tiredness as much and all the liquids while worrying about work. My job is super stressful and demanding. It doesn't stop for me! So I had to stop for me. I even wish I'd taken 4 weeks off at that.

Could I have gone back sooner? Yes, probably about a weeks sooner but I would've been absolutely miserable I know it. As it was I was stealing little power naps during my lunch hour in the First Aid room for the first few weeks back... LOL

I hope you'll get off as much time as you can get. Take care of yourself!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you can take the time.....do it! I took 4 weeks off (I'm a teacher) and I could have gone back after 3 weeks (felt 80% better), but I went back after 4 and felt perfect.

To me, it wasn't about physicall feeling better...the new eating process consumes a lot of your thoughts and I couldn't focus on that and work at the same time.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I only took 8 days off, mostly because I didn't want to deal with the drain and try to work. It came out at 11am on the 2nd Wednesday after surgery and I was back at work that afternoon. HOWEVER, I work for myself and travel from place to place to perform my job, which involves sitting down with people to sign legal documents. I don't have heavy lifting or a requirement to be at a desk for hours at a time. For the most part, I can get up and walk whenever I need to do so.

I was lucky that I have a business partner who covered me during the crazy pre-op process and that my doctors allowed me to work my appointments around my work commitments, so I missed very little actual business. I made up for it by doing lots of telephone and email marketing while I was down...although I didn't do any during that 8 days because I was so focused on getting Water and liquid food in right after surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Plan the longest time possible that your doctor will approve if your filling for STD. If not PLAN THE LONGEST TIME POSSIBLE. :o You can always go back to work early!

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

    ×