How much time off before returning to work?

[ontoanewlife 15]

Planned to take mimimum 4 weeks...I'm the same way....don't want to be bored at home...

I had my surgery May 7. I have a JP drain and my abdomen is stapled in 5 different spots. This stuff won't be out until 10 days post-op. Not sure how others go back to work so soon?

I want to make sure I'm fully healed and have the eating/drinking schedule organized so I stay on track when I go back to my busy job.

[Joy0125 95]

I went back in 4 days. It really all depends on how surgery goes, how your body heals, and the type of work you do. I think you should put in for the time they will allow and then play it by ear.

[navyma 68]

7 days

Wow!!!

[karpouzian 94]

So, for those of you "choosing" when you go back, or how long you need off, ultimately isn't it up to your doctor? I mean, I have never had a major surgery, but don't they typically tell YOU when you should/can go back to work?

[JennyBeth 127]

The surgeon gives you a time frame, but they don't make it mandatory because every patient is different. My surgeon said 3-4 weeks and at first I planned on 2 weeks and he said that would be doable. For some stupid reason I decided since my surgery was on a Wednesday that I would take that end of the week and be off for a full week after. It wasn't enough time. I ended up having to do half days my first week back. You're better off taking longer than you might need because you can always return to work sooner.

[doreen70 268]

I took 2 weeks. I would have definitely taken 4 looking back. It was painful, I struggled getting my food and Water in-barely got 24 ounces in daily.

[NeverBeTheSameAgain 241]

Here I am, saying Im going back the week after surgery...lol I think Im different from most ppl, if I stay at home I am not going to walk and I eat alot whn I stay home sad but true...so I have to get back out there and get to work.

[Healthiernewme 81]

5 days for me, but I have a desk job and can take it very easy. I also didn't a drain, etc. Like other people have said, this one is very individual.