Recovery Time?

[ResaRoo 77]

I am scheduled for my mini gastric bypass on Feb. 10th. Started the 3 week liquid diet yesterday. (3 specific Meal Replacement drinks and up to 250 cake of specific veggies). I think it will be doable, but man I am hungry.

Anyhow, the main question I have: how long until you returned to work afterwards? My surgeon said I’d need 7-10 days off and can then go back if I’m feeling well enough. I had my gall bladder out a few years ago and they wouldn’t clear me to return for 10 days, and I felt well enough to go back after 3. How long were you guys off work? Was the recovery easy? Is jumping back into work after 7-10 days reasonable? Just for reference, I teach kindergarten. It can be tiring at times, but I love it. I just want to make sure I have realistic expectations.

[Losingit2018 1,170]

I don’t work but can tell you one of the things that would have held me back was exhaustion. I am 8 weeks out from full bypass and still don’t have my energy back. Everyone is different though so you may be just fine at 7-10 days.
once you move on to soft foods it will get easier. The liquid stage is just an energy zapper.

I feel sure that others will chime in soon.

[Losingit2018 1,170]

Here is another thread that you may want to follow.

[toodlerue 452]

10 days is pushing it. Your body has been through major surgery. You are barley eating at 10 days. Take it slow and easy & take off as much time as your employer allows.

[New&Improved 1,780]

Just save up now and take unpaid leave for the 3 weeks

[Celeste kimberly 5]

I sure hope 10 days is enough. Im Having gastric sleeve and am only allowed 2 weeks off. Fingers crossed

[catwoman7 11,215]

I took three weeks off but could have gone back after two. Recovery wasn't bad - after the first couple of days, I was mostly just tired. It took several weeks before all my energy was back. But I definitely could have worked my desk job after the first two weeks.

[Jazzy1125 1,010]

i had the sleeve on a Thurs and was back to work by Monday... I do have an office job.. walking around was slow.. but when you sit all day.. at a computer is different than if you have to be up and around.

[Winchell 54]

I had gastric sleeve I was back at my desk job in 4 days. I was just sitting pretty much all day. If it was something more strenuous I would have waited till pureed foods at 2 weeks. Just because I tried easily that first week.

Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

[Uomograsso 364]

1 hour ago, Winchell said:

I had gastric sleeve I was back at my desk job in 4 days. I was just sitting pretty much all day. If it was something more strenuous I would have waited till pureed foods at 2 weeks. Just because I tried easily that first week.

Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

I have had similar experience. I had surgery 6 days ago and I am back at work this morning. BUT I work from home doing IT so it is not very strenuous.

[JRT Mom 919]

I had a bypass and returned to work two weeks after surgery. It was a 10 hour shift and I was EXHAUSTED. Take as long as you can!

[MarvelGirl25 2,168]

I was unfortunately out of work for 2 and a half months. I couldn't retain any Protein Drinks and I kept throwing up.

[ChubRub 1,706]

I have a sedentary job and took 2 weeks off, then worked from home the 3rd week. If I had a job that required being on my feet, I still wouldn't be back at work!

I completely underestimated the level of fatigue I would feel! For the first few weeks, I got by with lots of naps! I'm not taking naps now, but little things like going up a flight of stairs completely wears me out!

[2Bsmaller18 436]

I would definitely take all 10 days so you can be prepared. However the other tip I would offer is to not start back on a Monday. So maybe if you go back on Thursday then you can push through those first few days and have a weekend to recover before going to work for an entire week straight. Also try to preplan if you usually carry something heavy from your car to your classroom to get a cart or have it already in your room etc. so you don't have to carry anything.

[carlacv 27]

My doctor puts you out for 4-6 weeks