Would I Be Taking On Too Much After My Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

[EmilyIsSleeved 6]

Hey everyone,

I am in the need of some advice regarding recovery time/how long it will take to get my energy back after surgery. This spring and summer I will be taking a total of three college classes (2 during the spring, 1 during the summer). All of these classes will be online. My question is, do you think I would be taking on too much by doing some school while I'm recovering from surgery? The main concern I have is that I won't have the energy to do homework within a couple days after surgery. I'm just looking for some input as to how you felt in your first week or two after surgery. Sorry for such a random question and thanks to any replies in advance!

[SKCUNNINGHAM 298]

Have you ever had surgery before? If so, how long did it take to to recover and feel clear-headed enough to use the computer?

I had surgery on 2/22. I was in the hospital overnight - home the next afternoon. Doc wanted me to stay another nite, but I wanted to recover at home. My main issue with recovering from surgery is it takes me a few days to get over the anasthesia - I kept falling asleep and was groggy for a couple of days. On the plus size, I had no nauseau or vomiting, and was able to drink fluids - so the surgical recovery wasn't a problem.

My incliniation would be to take the classes - it will give you something to focus on while you are recovering. But everyone's recovery is different.

Good Luck.

[blinger12 2]

You know, so much depends on your physical condition pre-surgery, how well you adjust to a new regimen, your age, any other physical demands/problems, stressors, etc. My experience was very positive (I'm 1 week post-op) (64 years old). Pain was negligible, first day home a couple episodes of nausea and vomiting, controlled with anti-nausea medication, felt better each new day, fatigue at first, but got stronger. Taking the on-line courses should be very manageable, depending on your support system, whether you have children at home, etc. Good luck!

[SLL 6]

I agree.I had surgery Nov. 15th (last week!). Online classes should be very manageable, and I have done many of them in the past. I have spent a lot of my recovery time on the computer, and it wouldn't have mattered if I had been doing school work or just goofing around, other than the stress of any looming deadlines. But, recovery for me has been manageable enough that I have cared for my 3 kids, cleaned, cooked, washed laundry, & run errands. And this week I added caring for my sister's baby all day every day. It really does depend on the person. I have had a bunch of surgeries & bounce back quickly. If you have that same fortune, I say go for it!

-Stacey

[amberj 21]

im in school now and had my surgery last week. the first 3 days i didnt want to do anything but after that i was fine. Im taking 12 hours this semester. Im just lazy when it comes to assignments, Im about to start on a paper now that i shouldve done a week ago. I'd say it is up to you on how fast you get back into the work. If youre able, do things a head of time and submit them early. Take the time to heal, let your professors know what is going on in case you miss something. they are generally understanding.

[SuperMom 33]

The first couple of months after surgery (and even sometimes now 6 months out) I am tired after working. I work 12 hour shifts at the hospital on my feet. If you did it at home and could take breaks in between working might be doable. You are going to be tired some. It is major surgery. But it is soooooooooooooooo worth it. Good luck

[EmilyIsSleeved 6]

Thanks for all the responses! I will be 19 at the time of surgery, so that might help my recovery a little. The only downside is that I have never had surgery before, so I don't have any prior experiences to compare to. Since all of you say that you would do the classes and most of you are taking care of kids and working as well, I think I could handle classes and work. Thanks again for your responses and good luck to all of you with your sleeves!!!

[Geeewhy 30]

I would have had no issue with online classes even the day after surgery. Like everyone else says, depends on the individual. I would say take the classes, and if you feel like you can't do the work, withdraw and get a refund.

[former_vbg 198]

Just to throw my 2 cents in. I am an adjunct instructor AND I am a student pursuing my Masters. I continued to take classes as a student while I had surgery.

Just do yourself a favor and contact your instructor BEFORE you have your surgery and tell them you have surgery coming up and when (don't have to give them any surgery details), but tell them when the surgery is and that you may struggle the first few days out of surgery with your participation but that you will make it up. Or, better yet if possible, try to get the assignments ahead of time and either get them turned in before you go in for surgery or have them ready to turn in when you get home.

Most if not all instructors will work with you when it comes to something medical or some other type of hardship. The number one key is to communicate with your instructors!!! I don't see any issues why you should not continue with your classes.

[waterlover 15]

actually, since you are doing your classes online it might be a nice thing to help keep you busy while you are recovering and just think, while you are reaching one goal of losing weight and getting healthier, you are also feeding your head with an education! two birds with one stone! you should be proud of yourself, i'm sure you will do great!

and if things are too overwhelming, like others have said, i'm sure the school would understand if you needed to withdraw if you explain to them ahead of time all about your situation.

good luck!