How long to take off of work?

[LMarie 26]

Hey guys! Im new here and i am enjoying it! I am currently in my 3 month pre approval program and hoping to have surgery sometime close to July/ mid August. I have read a couple of threads relating to time taken off of work and I continue to read that most people take off 3+ weeks... My doctor has said more then once that 1 week is sufficient, and im worried it may not be enough.

I know everyone is different.. just asking so I can hear different opinions and experiences.

Im a hairdresser so its fairly important I know how much time to take off in advance so I can block my appointment book and not schedule appointments for while I am off.

Thanks in advance!

[SpaceDust 585]

I've seen lots of posts about this, and people are heading back to work anything from 5 days after the surgery to 6 weeks later. I think it really depends on your surgeon, how you tend to heal, and what kind of work you do. Since you're in a pretty physical job, relatively speaking, I would think you would want to take at least 2 weeks off - after all, you don't want to be taking appointments and then be too tired to do the work! I wonder if your surgeon doesn't realize how physically demanding the job can be.

On the other hand, I have a very sedentary desk-bound sort of job - I happen to know I heal well from major surgery and don't generally have more than minor tiredness after the first 5 days or so as long as I'm not overdoing. I plan to be away from work for a week (fingers crossed).

[LMarie 26]

Thanks for responding. .. I am considering 2 weeks. Just nervous about what story I am going to tell because I have decided I am not telling my clients about the surgery.. some of my freinds and family will know, but not work clients... and im still considering telling my coworkers..

So I was hoping I could do 1 week but am probably safer doing 2.

[blackie220 92]

I have had the same question...i work in grocery...deli..where i do loads.....lift ..bend...alot of standing.....

[LMarie 26]

I have had the same question...i work in grocery...deli..where i do loads.....lift ..bend...alot of standing.....

I would think your lifting wouldn't be good. .. what did your dr suggest?

[blackie220 92]

I havent had my surgery...on 17th......but im going to take all the time i need.....not risking..my health....

[Afrodite82 148]

I think at least two weeks. I'm a flight attendant, I took two weeks off and now I'm going for three, because I just don't quite feel "up to it" yet. Rest and recuperation is vital to healing.

[Itsme! 98]

I had surgery in 5/1 (a Wednesday) and go back to work next Monday 5/13 - so 8 working days off. I could easily have gone back this past Monday but instead I took a me-week. It's been nice. Too nice perhaps. I haven't had any complications. I'm not hungry. My dr didn't have any activity or lifting restrictions. I've been gardening, shopping, walkinf, working out on the eliptical machine, wrestling two toddlers, etc without any hesitation or any problem.

[jjmama21 1]

Im planning to take to weeks from work. Also, I will be keeping it a secret from my boss and clients. I will say that I need to have a major surgery done and that will it.

[DonRodolfo 1,416]

Hey guys! Im new here and i am enjoying it! I am currently in my 3 month pre approval program and hoping to have surgery sometime close to July/ mid August. I have read a couple of threads relating to time taken off of work and I continue to read that most people take off 3+ weeks... My doctor has said more then once that 1 week is sufficient, and im worried it may not be enough.

I know everyone is different.. just asking so I can hear different opinions and experiences.

Im a hairdresser so its fairly important I know how much time to take off in advance so I can block my appointment book and not schedule appointments for while I am off.

Thanks in advance!

My doctor said 2 weeks. People I've talked to that used the same doctor said they felt like going back to work just a few days later. YMMV.

[cms213 119]

I wanted to take 2-3 but my Dr office is saying 4 weeks minimum. I guess part of it is the adjustment period to your new life.

[mulliganmom 4]

I was sleeved 5/8, and I'm planning to take a month off. I have previously had my gall bladder removed, and my appendix removed - both lap surgeries....and this feels much more aggressive than those surgeries. I might feel up to going back in 2 weeks, but I'm taking the extra time to get used to my new tummy. I want to be successful and learn my new eating habits and go back to work well prepared. I know everyone may not have the ability to take as much time as they want or need, but I just paid $22,500 out of pocket to have this done, and I'm not going to risk 2 weeks one way or another! If you pay attention to your body, you will know when you are ready! Good luck!

[sumtimindiva 8]

LMarie my surgery was 5/1 I returned to work on 5/6 with my doctor's approval however I have a sit down job. Being a hairdresser you are on your feet all day so you may need a little extra.

[LMarie 26]

Wow its just crazy to me to hear some take 5 days and some take 6 weeks.. im thinking of having surgery on monday and going back the following wednesday.. fortunately for me I can schedule very few clients and space them out so I can work slowly or take breaks if needed.. I would just be so upset if I needed to cancel clients for more time off..

A disadvantage for me is working for myself. . I have no paid sick days!

[SpaceDust 585]

Wow its just crazy to me to hear some take 5 days and some take 6 weeks.. im thinking of having surgery on monday and going back the following wednesday.. fortunately for me I can schedule very few clients and space them out so I can work slowly or take breaks if needed.. I would just be so upset if I needed to cancel clients for more time off..

A disadvantage for me is working for myself. . I have no paid sick days!

I'm a contractor with no paid sick leave, either, so I totally understand!

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