How long were you down and out?

[AmberFL 648]

How long were you out of work? I have 3 children and was actually hoping to get this surgery shortly before their winter break so I can stay home with them.

Not sure if my doc will sign off on me having 2 weeks off for FMLA.

What was your experience?

[waterwoman 173]

My doctor gave me six weeks at my request. Two weeks shouldn’t be a problem. Others, who have needed to go back, were able to do so in just a few days.

[Sleeve_Me_Alone 656]

I had surgery on Tuesday, was back to work Monday. I have a remote desk job. nothing physically strenuous, and my kids are older (long past the diaper change, carry around on my hip years). I felt ok, pain was very minimal, but I was EXHAUSTED. I took naps everyday for probably 2 full weeks.

[Big Matty 27]

I took two weeks off from work, although I did feel well enough to go back to work after a week. I made myself take the two weeks because knowing myself, I would have busted a stitch going back sooner. I have a job where I need to lift up to 75lbs, so I went on light duty with a 25lb lifting restriction for 3 weeks. No problems, and I am 2 months out from surgery and back to my pre-surgery lifting. However, I did get lightheaded on occasion, and a little weak. I slept more than usual. I developed back issues due to my weight, and it really started to hurt more than normal the first week or two I came back to work. The pain radiated out of my lower back up to my shoulders and neck. Things have gotten much better as I take the weight off and get back to a more routine of diet and exercise.

[BeanitoDiego 153]

I had two weeks off from work. I would have liked to have one more week, but that wasn't an option. I also had a hernia repair on top of WLS, so that made a for a little more pain and discomfort.

[catwoman7 11,164]

I took three weeks off work but could have gone back after two. Other than being tired in the afternoons (or most afternoons), I felt fine.

[SleeveToBypass2023 2,492]

With my sleeve, I took 2 weeks off and needed every bit of it. With my revision to bypass, I was up and doing things after 4 days. Only took a week off, but honestly didn't need it. Still took it, though lol

[BigZ 99]

I sit at a desk so I went back to work the following Monday (Surgery on Tuesday before). My daughter who is a nurse but doesn't lift patients etc, took the second week off as well and went back to work. She is on her feet all day and didn't have any issues.

[Tomo 1,181]

For both (vsg and revision), I was down for no more than a day or two. I slept the first day I got home, up on the 2nd day at the computer but took a nap, but by 3rd, I was good for desk work, general household chores.I can't do codeine but regular Tylenol handled any incision pain. There is a lot of general fatigue though in the first month or so. I was allowed coffee from the beginning and that helped my fatigue a lot. I don't think you will have any problem getting two weeks approved.

[volfan 78]

I was retired, early retired due to medical disability, and choice. I took it easy for 1 week or 2, treated myself like an egg, but I was good togo very soon. I was on Protein Shakes, get the nectar brand, it has fruit flavor and mixes great with sugar free Walmart brand or Crystal light, and much cheaper than premixed. I made a huge picture, 8 scoops and filled 4 Gatorade 32 oz bottles, 400 calaries, 60 grams of Protein, and 64 oz of Water in 2 bottles. Just a little of. Each and good for day. I lost 38lbs the month before surgery, and averaged 20 to 25lbs a month. So my. Life really hadn't changed after surgery except I don't crave foods at all

[gadgetgirl68 13]

On 9/8/2023 at 12:58 PM, AmberFL said:

How long were you out of work? I have 3 children and was actually hoping to get this surgery shortly before their winter break so I can stay home with them.

Not sure if my doc will sign off on me having 2 weeks off for FMLA.

What was your experience?

Two weeks should be no problem. My doctor gave me 8 weeks. Disability usually covers 6 weeks for non-government workers. FMLA covers 12 weeks, but that's just to keep your job...that's not the payment part. Hope this helps. Also, FMLA paperwork is different than the Disability paperwork.