Taking time off work

[ambrosia916 9]

Realistically how much time should I take off from work after surgery? My Dr says only one week but that doesn't seem like enough time to recoup and adjust. I've been reading a lot about fatigue and vomiting for weeks after surgery. I'm a dental hygienist and I can't excuse myself in the middle of an appt because I suddenly get sick. In your experience how much time is needed after surgery?

[James Marusek 5,244]

At one week post-op you are going to be very sore. Most of what you will have to deal with is the complexity of the program requirements. Taking your Vitamins spaced out throughout the day and being unable to swallow even medium size pills. Getting in your Protein from Protein shakes. Drinking fluids. For me one of the worst requirements was the blood thinner shots. You will not even be able to drive until you are off the narcotic pain medicines. If you have the latitude, I would give myself 2 weeks.

[toasty 371]

I took off 4 weeks myself, which is what my doctor advised. I thought it might be too long, but I was wrong. Although I was out of pain by day 5 after surgery, learning to eat and drink was very time consuming. And the fatigue! I have never had to take naps before, but I find that by 2pm I become so fatigued that I have to take a nap. And all I am really doing is light housework and sitting around (I walk in the morning and evenings).

I have started week 3, and I now see why my doctor recommended 4 weeks. 3 weeks might have been ok, but anything less than 3 weeks would have been bad. And some people have pain or other problems 3 and 4 weeks after surgery.

Remember that this is major surgery, not some minor outpatient procedure, so you need to account for the time and energy your body needs to recover. Also remember your calorie intake is very low, especially early on when your pouch is swollen and you can eat so little. This affects your energy levels too.

[toasty 371]

BTW, remember that depending on your state, if your state has disability insurance, you can take advantage of that while you are out. Also, if your employer has more than 50 employees, you are covered by FMLA as well to protect your job.

[FLyles0902 0]

I took the first 3 weeks off. It took some time to get accustomed to the changes and I wanted to get through the thin liquid stages before going back to work. I was extremely happy I did and it also gave my body a chance to heal.

[ambrosia916 9]

Thanks guys, very helpful! Yeah I'm in California and I can get Some disability payments but I really just don't want to take more time off than I need.

[The Candidate 3,215]

I took a full six weeks, to heal and adjust. Luckily I had very little pain and no complications. If pushed I probably could have gone back after a week, based solely on how I felt. But the exhaustion really kicked my butt, so I was very glad I had the extra time.

[francheskii 28]

I took 5 weeks. Allowing myself time to heal and adjust to a new life. Take the time you need! You'll know when you're ready to go back!

[RNYDawn 160]

I am happy to see this question too. I work from home so I may take off a full week or two and then work half days so I can nap in the afternoon!

[Dibaby44 63]

I took 3 weeks and so glad i did. Even then the fatigue was still bad. This is major surgery. As major as having a kidney removed. Take the time to heal properly.

[gpmed 623]

My surgeon advised 4-6 wks, so I'm taking five full weeks and working from home one week.

I'm eight days post-op and there is no way I could have gone back to work yesterday. My pain was well-controlled and I was off narcotics by day six, but I've had major GI distress that's made me kind of miserable and I've been really tired. Even small walks wear me out.

[skinnypants4life 2]

Took 2 weeks off and worked from home 3rd week. I would suggest 3 full weeks off.

[_Kate_ 2,224]

I took 4 weeks off then went back to work full time.. to a stressful job. I wish I had stayed off six due to the exhaustion I had. ????

[MichJohn77 39]

I went back after 2 weeks and I should have taken 4 like doc told me too. I was extremely tired. Still am at 4 weeks out revision to RNY. You will not be up to going back to work at 1 week out. I could barely move around well

Enough and I wasn't allowed to drive for 2 weeks.

[Cupcake 801]

It depends on how you feel honestly I could have went back in 1 week but took 2 weeks so that I could attend my first post opt appointment I had no complications and I was feeling great . Good luck .