A question for all teachers.

harmony8411 · January 11, 2008

Hi everyone,

I'm a special education teacher and hopefully I'll get my surgery date soon. I wanted to know how much time did lapband teachers take off? Did you try to schedule your surgery around Christmas and spring break or did you wait until the summer? Also, how much info did you give administration and how far in advance did you notify them of your expected absence? Thanks in advance for your replies.

Twilight · January 12, 2008

I scheduled my surgery as soon as they would let me in. I was banded on Dec. 8th and that gave me 2 weeks before christmas break. I took off the Wed. before surgery, though only because of the weather in the area and the drive. I had surgery on Thursday and was back to school on the next Monday. I told my administration I needed two days off for medical appointments. When I got back someone had told him what I had done but I didn't think I needed to explain anything to him.

Once I had my pre-op appointment and knew the exact date of surgery, I gave him the notice that I had....13 days. I try to give them as much notice as I get. But if I put in for sick leave I just state it is a dr.s appointment.

Good luck,

Steph

jowjow13 · January 12, 2008

I had surgery on Dec 19th...the Wednesday before our xmas break...I went into work on that Friday...a half day...made it through....barely. I probably only made it through because we just had a holiday party and movie for my class. Started to feel better over the weekend...and then monday I looked like someone smashed bricks over my head! I was tired exhausted and could have NEVER been at work. Give yourself time...and expect the unexpected! I definetly thought I would be a suregery on Wed...back on Monday kind of person. So I'm really fortunate that I did schedule it before a break...I definetly needed the time!

nymoosic · January 12, 2008

I also had my surgery on Dec. 19th. I originally wanted to do it in the summer but my insurance wasn't going to come through in time, so I put it off four months until my next long break. I took the day before off for the endoscopy and then had surgery on Wednesday and was off on Thursday and Friday. I returned to work after New Year's. It worked perfectly. I needed the time because my port was so sore (still is). I am a fast healer, but poking those things through my abdominal muscles really did me in. Take some time for yourself. You won't regret it.

harmony8411 · January 12, 2008

Thanks all. I'm going to try to get it scheduled the week before spring break.

Hey Moosic, we're about the same starting weight and have the same goal weight. I wish you all lots of weightloss.:wink:

VegasGrace · January 12, 2008

Yes, I did mine in June during school break. But was up and about the next day and just a few days felt normal.

The flu knocks me out more than banding.

JayJay · January 12, 2008

Hi Harmony,

I do not know how old your Special Ed students are, but I am a kindergarten teacher with Special Ed inclusion. I had my surgery on Dec. 27th and went back to work on Jan 7th. After surgery I was told that I can not lift anything over 20lbs for the next 6-8 weeks. Being back in the classroom it has been hard with my inclusion kiddo. I learned very fast that I cannot "pull" him up if he is not doing what he is supposed to be doing. It hurt! Other than being tired the few days back I haven't had any problems.

flipbarnett · January 12, 2008

I teach Transitional Preschool, Special Ed and I am taking only a week off, using sick days I have built up. I had the band on Jan. 8th and I told my principal. We are close friends anyways. My aides have been calling me and keeping me informed and the kids can't wait for me to come back. If I feel like it I will go back Monday. The only thing bothering me is the air and the port area, but it's not bad. I want to burp but it just wont move, so I walk, walk, walk, and do light housework hoping it will pass. Good luck to everyone. I've lost 12lbs so far, can't wait to loose more.

nymoosic · January 12, 2008

Harmony- let's keep in touch! We'll cruise down the scale together!!!! :wink:

harmony8411 · January 12, 2008

Thanks Moosic. It will be nice to lose with someone. I'll keep in touch.

Longhorn · January 12, 2008

I'm an adjunct professor at a community college, which means I don't get sick leave. If I miss a class, I don't get paid, plus it isn't easy getting subs. I considered waiting until the break between fall and spring semesters but I really wanted to get going on losing weight!

So I told my department that I needed to cancel classes on Thursday and Monday (my classes are MW and TTH so that was just one cancellation per course) because I needed to have minor surgery. I had my surgery on Thursday morning at 7 a.m. and I returned to work on the following Tuesday. If I had sick leave and it wasn't such a hassle to cancel classes, I would have taken longer but I did fine, though I was a little weak and tired that first week back. And I'm (at least) 19 pounds lighter than I would have been at this point if I waited.

Leather · January 18, 2008

I teach HS American History, the surgery is going to be on a Wednesday and I will return to work on Monday... Hope this is not too soon. :lol: When I do my lesson plans I will put in a movie for those first two days back. This will give me time to adjust.

flipbarnett · January 21, 2008

Hello all. I went back to work last Monday and it went well, I thought. I was a little tired and sore, but I hurt more after my gallbladder surgery than the band. By Friday, I felt all went very well for the week. I"m battling the Constipation thing this wkend. I don't mean to be ugly, but all this protein.... welll... Hubby went and got me some Miralax and I hope it helps. I go back Thurs. for a check up. I wish I could get a fill, but I not to get one till Feb. I"m trying some solids, but mostly mushies. Good luck to everyone. Felicia

kyteachjules · January 21, 2008

I'm an elementary special education teacher and had my surgery Dec 13. I took 5 days off before Christmas break and came back when school resumed on January 3. So, I had 3 weeks off (of course, my stomach was re-routed out of my chest) but did go back to visit for my holiday party. I wasn't allowed to drive for a week (even though I did sneak to town a couple of times! LOL) because of the 'extra' part of my surgery. The hardest part is not lifting the kids or stuff that I am not supposed to lift.

michiwhite · January 21, 2008

I had my surgery 12/21 and returned to work Jan 3rd. I was still quite sore when I returned to work. It was the port attached to my muscles. Amazingly enough, the only thing that helped was motrin. My advice to you is allow yourself at least 2wks. Trust me..you're going to need every bit of it. Good Luck!