NJ Mom 30 Posted September 21, 2016 Good morning everyone! I am new here and have my surgery tentatively scheduled for November. Just wanted your opinions on returning to work. My doctor said it is normally 2-4 weeks at home. I work at a desk and really don't have to move much. My surgery would be on a Wed, do you think its feasible to stay home that week and the next, then go back the following Monday? So approximately 10 days home. I don't have a lot of paid sick time and hoping this will work for me, but want to see what your experience tells me. Thanks so much, appreciate any feedback! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Candidate 3,215 Posted September 21, 2016 Welcome! There's a lot of variety with this question, but 2 weeks is pretty average. I took 6 because I was able to get the time off, but if pressed, I definitely could have gone back in 2. The major issue at that point was just exhaustion, which is also very common. This is of course barring any unforeseen post op complication. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shell Renewed 176 Posted September 21, 2016 I could have gone back after one week, but everyone is different. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blizair09 3,250 Posted September 21, 2016 I am taking six weeks off, but we have short-term disability insurance included with our benefits at 100% pay for up to 13 weeks. While I might be physically capable of going back to work sooner, I want to take the time to work through the various food phases, to let my body heal, to regain my energy, and to mentally prepare myself to deal with the stress that my work embodies every day given these new physical limitations brought on by the sleeve. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mculver 2 Posted September 21, 2016 I had my surgery on a Monday and returned to work the following Monday. I also have a desk job, and thought I would be fine. I wish that I would have taken 2 weeks off. Best of luck to you! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cdsjjotn 516 Posted September 21, 2016 I had my surgery on a Monday and went back to work the following Monday . If you can I would suggest 2 weeks only because I was still tired and needed to concentrate on getting my liquid in . I was to distracted at work. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lalame 56 Posted September 22, 2016 I had my surgery on 09/06/16 and am still off from work. I could not imagine going back within a week. If you can take 2 take it. Remember, you may feel week and tired. Your pain and liquid tolerance may be different. Give your body time to heal and adjust. They recommend 4-6 weeks for a reason. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lizardqueen 56 Posted September 23, 2016 I agree with lalame. I was going to take one week but ended up taking 3 weeks. Basically due to weakness and getting used to the new routine and lower intake. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vinasu 621 Posted September 23, 2016 I had surgery on Wednesday and went back to work Monday. I took three days off. I have a very sedentary job, and I slept every second I wasn't working for the first two weeks. It was absolutely doable, though. Sent from my SM-G925V using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hdw85 48 Posted September 23, 2016 I Went back to my desk job after 2 weeks and by lunch time I was starting to be a little uncomfortable, but I made it through! Good luck Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
time4mefinally 2 Posted September 23, 2016 I also had surgery on a Wednesday and went back to work on the following Monday. Everyone has such varied experiences! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fancypants67 162 Posted September 23, 2016 I went back after one week...desk job...and I was just FINE (i work 12.5 hour shifts). There's NO WAY i could have gotten 6 weeks...especially since for me, this was considered an "elective" surgery. For me, this recovery has been incredibly easy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
QueenOfTheTamazons 634 Posted September 23, 2016 I am taking six weeks off, but we have short-term disability insurance included with our benefits at 100% pay for up to 13 weeks. While I might be physically capable of going back to work sooner, I want to take the time to work through the various food phases, to let my body heal, to regain my energy, and to mentally prepare myself to deal with the stress that my work embodies every day given these new physical limitations brought on by the sleeve.Lucky!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
#BirdDog 604 Posted September 23, 2016 (edited) I took two weeks and returned to work just in time to head out of town for a conference. I found that I had to get up and stand in the back of some of the sessions because I would start to get some pain if I say too long. Kind of like my body was compressing and putting pressure on my stomach. But I was ready to go back at 2 weeks. My wife was MORE than ready for me to go back to work about day three after surgery. Edited September 23, 2016 by #BirdDog Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
QueenOfTheTamazons 634 Posted September 23, 2016 My surgery is Weds 10/5. I am taking off 10/4 (for travel and pre op) - 10/9. The next week i am going to work part time. Ill let you know it works out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
