Going back to work after surgery!

[haleymarie 35]

I'm completely new here & just starting this whole journey! I just attended my seminar and am really excited to get this whole thing in motion. But I'm freaking out! I'm 20 years old and work 2 jobs! One full time and one part time! They both know I plan on having surgery, but their both not happy that I'll need time off. Im scared that they will fire me over this! I've been at one for almost 3 years and the other for over a year! So tell me, how long were you all off for? And for what reasons? Id really appreciate any feedback and advice!

[liannatx 897]

I was off for a week, but i seem to have a high pain tolerance and heal quickly.

[KindaFamiliar 3,867]

I'm similar to @@liannatx

High pain tolerance and fast healer...

I was 3 days in hospital (Op on Wed-Discharged on Saturday morning)...

Then another week off work...

However, I really could have gone back to work after the weekend of my discharge..

Everyone is gonna be different...

Just remember, it's major surgery...

Take your surgeon's advice...

They tend to know their stuff...

Good luck to you @@haleymarie

[haleymarie 35]

Were you guys really active before surgery or any other facts that led to a good recovery?

[KindaFamiliar 3,867]

I wasn't...

Well, not in the 12 months leading up to surgery..

I was inactive at work, after work, etc...

And also, I was 500+ pounds...

So I really didnt have a lot working in my favour...

[OKCPirate 5,323]

I agree with @@KindaFamiliar, the scientific answer is "it depends." How committed are you to doing the pre-surgery work, how committed are you to getting in the best shape you can be in? And then how bad of shape are you in right now? I was blessed. Yes I started out at 305, but I was a very healthy fat guy. No diabetes. No heart problems. Worked out. Ect. So I was ready to go back to work and did via email 14 hours after surgery. But I don't have to do heavy lifting. I work virtually. (And what's really cool, I can work naked from home, oh the joys of being a consultant). So we don't know where you are coming from, nor should you think that any one person's experience is normal. If you provide more details about yourself, ask very specific question about what you need, the better this website will work for you.

For instance: if you ask "I operate heavy machinery. How long were you guys off work." You will get a great answer back. Hope that makes sense and give you some ideas of how to fully utilize this site to its maximum advantage.

[haleymarie 35]

Well let's see, I'm 20 years old and healthy for being "fat." My weight is 266 and I'm pretty active. I'm on my feet for almost 16 hours a day. My full time job is subway, so I mostly will be making food and doing prep work. At my second job I unload truck and stock the store. Though, I don't plan on heavy lifting for quite a while after surgery.

[mommy319 31]

I did not have pain to keep me from work but i was able to take paid time off. I work a desk job but was too weak to work the first five days because i have low Iron and had trouble getting all the Protein and Water i needed. Some folks have no pain and feel energetic enough to return to work within days. Being on your feet might be too much especially if you cant sip on protein and water throughout the day. My highest weight was 238 and i was 218 the day of surgery. Diabetic with high cholesterol and anemia. If you can take frequent breaks at work to sip or rest you may be able to go back sooner rather than later. You may also want to check out the laws in your state regarding paid and unpaid medical leave. Good luck!

[RILEYSMOM22 344]

First off, if you are still on pain meds, you won't be able to drive. I had my surgery on Wednesday, home on Friday, (although the doc told me I could leave Thursday if I wanted). My surgeon kept me out of work a minimum of two weeks. I am an accountant, so nothing strenuous. He said he prefers people stay out 3 weeks just to get used to the new way of eating. Also, I was having a difficult time getting enough fluids. My daughter is getting married next weekend and I'm returning to work after that.

[lectus 3]

I had surgery on a Wednesday and returned to work on Monday. I felt fine, but if you don't feel fine you shouldn't go to work. Also, it would depend, I'm a teacher so that's easy. But if you were a waitress or worked at McDonald's that would be hard.