Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

How long were you off work?



Recommended Posts

How much time did you take off of work? I can work remote, and have a desk job with flexibility in hours. Wondering how soon everyone felt mentally and physically ready to go back? (Yes, I'm sure this will vary widely depending on age, complications, etc, just looking for a benchmark)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was away for almost three weeks after my MGB. The doctor allowed me to fly back to Malaysia (from Egypt) after 10 days then I had to quarantine for a week at home. My surgery was done the old fashion (I had a big vertical incision which took longer to heal) and I had to change the dressing everyday and take some shots also. Desk job as well. I returned to work when I entered the semi-solid food stage which was just nice. I set a reminder on my phone to take a walk every now and then which helped a lot. Good luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was given 6 weeks off, and I took every moment of it. I worked in social welfare, getting in and out of the car, driving distances, and going in and out of people's homes. Also, I worked with young children and had to be able to carry 40 pounds. I was in my mid 50's at the time, and it did not make sense to return to work until I was certain I could do all of the mentioned. If I had a desk job or could have worked from home, I would have taken less time.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had RnY gastric bypass. I took 3 weeks off. However, I wish I could have taken more time off. I'm one of the rare patients that had a prolonged period of pain, afterward. The pain wasn't horrible - liquid Tylenol took care of it - but it did make it quite uncomfortable for me to sit upright for long periods of time.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I took three weeks off, but could have gone back after two. I felt fine at that point, just tired in the afternoons.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I took two weeks off after my sleeve. I will say I was much more tired than anticipated. I actually played in a tennis tournament before returning to work because I had signed up for it months prior (and I was cleared for activity). That definitely pushed me over the edge a bit as I was still struggling with hydration and obviously sweating all day didn’t help. But I was ready week three to go to work. Like you said it varies for everyone. The anesthesia hit me hard and I was nauseous and exhausted for days after, some people feel ready to go to work the next day. I applied for short term disability before going out of work for the surgery, if you haven’t looked into that with your employer I’d start there.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my sleeve on a Tuesday and returned to work on the following Monday, so 6 days off total. I have a desk job and it wasn't too bad, it was actually kind of nice to get my mind off the surgery because the first few weeks are kind of a mental struggle getting used to not being able to eat.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I work 60- 80% remotely. I took off a week initially but added two additional days and was back to work 9 days after surgery. I worked from home the rest of that second and the full third weeks. I often felt tired in the afternoon and planned naps to help with my productivity.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I took 2 weeks off after VSG. I have a somewhat physical job (OT) but it was the perfect amount of time. I had crazy energy come back after a week and a half

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm a Set Dresser in the film industry and my entire job is lifting heavy furniture and stuff like that so my doctor recommended I stay out for a month. But I do feel like going back. Luckily, with my job, the beginning of the year is when everything really slows down so I haven't had to turn down any work.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a mostly-remote desk job but I have to report in person once a week to a location 3 hours away that I have to drive to; I was entirely off for one week but worked entirely from home the second week because I still wasn't up to the drive.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I only took off two days. One for the surgery and the day after when I was released from the hospital. I luckily felt fine after surgery. In fact, I was answering emails from my hospital bed lol.

I work from home, and really just have to turn on the computer, so there was no need to take any more time than that.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

2 weeks. I dealt with mostly muscle pain from where they pulled out the stomach that lingered. The gas, incision pain etc was non existent almost instantly

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • rinabobina

      I would like to know what questions you wish you had asked prior to your duodenal switch surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×