RN's How long did you take off work?

[ambraberger 0]

Hi. I'm a NICU nurse, getting banded 9/29. Doc said I could have surgery wed, and go btw mon. Just curious any other RNs, or other healthcare professionals, how long did you take off work? Already feel like crap, overwieght and tired, I'm excited about the surgery, but wondering if I should take a couple weeks or so off. Aren't you pretty weak, being on a liquid diet? Thanks for the help!

Edited August 30, 2008 by ambraberger

[angelahornsby72 0]

Hi there, I am also an RN and work in the ER. I took a full week off but only returned to 8 hrs shifts the second week. I am in that week now and so far so good. I am not really feeling very weak but my energy level drops after 3pm.. maybe its naptime. Hope this helps and good luck!!

[Tess415 1]

Congratulations on your upcoming band!!! I too am a nurse, I work 12 hour shifts in critical care. I was given 2 weeks off by my surgeon, and took a vacation week, so I had a total of 3 weeks off. You will feel weak and tired the first few days due to the liquid diet, (carb withdrawl). It was actually the 3rd week that I felt energy and hit the gym hard and I felt great when I went back to work. Everyone is different, but 12 hours is long!!! Make sure you eat (drink) frequently when on liquids if you go back that soon or you will feel it and not have much energy. The first week I had a headache almost daily...not terrible just an annoyance!!

I can tell you having 60 pounds off now I feel fantastic!!! I breeze thru 12 hours!!! Good luck to you, if you have time off take it and concentrate on a routine of exercise and your diet. Lots of LBT helps too.

Take Care!!

[skinnysoonkim 0]

I am also a nurse-a staff educator. I had the surgery on a Tuesday and went back to work on Friday. I really had no problems or pain at all after the surgery. The worst part is the liquid pre-op diet I had to go on 10 days prior to surgery-but all Dr.'s don't have the same criteria. Also for one week following the surgery I was on liquids and that made me feel a little tired out. Good luck to you, you will feel wonderful and full of energy!!!!!!!! I had my lapband done on June 9th and I am 55lbs down already-Life gets good:smile:

[RestlessMonkey 7]

I appreciate this question and all the answers. I'm not a nurse YET...just a nursing student, and I start my pediatrics clinicals on 9/9. Since I've been doing an austere Atkins type diet for a while (hence the great WL to date) I'm past the "weak" stage...

I was worried about remaining hydrated because when one is a student we're expected to go in and work and learn, not sip Water etc. (Most of our teachers even give us the stink eye if we use the restroom LOL) Still though it is NOTHING to compare to actually BEING a nurse. So if you guys can do it; I feel better that I can do it.

[bonnieb 0]

Hi,

The problem isn't so much being weak from the diet but you aren't allowed to do the heavy lifting required of nurses. Most doctors won't allow you to lift over 15 pounds for 2-4 weeks. Our hospital won't allow you to come back to work if you have lifting restrictions.

Bonnie

[ambraberger 0]

Thanks for the replys. I'm self pay and don't want to jeopardize anything. I think I'll take off longer than a week. I have some sick time and short term disability, might as well use it. Thanks again! Here goes!! Yay!

[Mamacj 0]

I work in OB/mother baby (RN Clinical Director). Everything my doc has had me read says I can return in 1 week if I don't do any lifting over 20 lbs, 3 weeks otherwise. I am a working manager so I still do direct patient care, but my staff will probably take it easy on me just so I won't take the whole 3 weeks!!

Best wishes with your surgery!

[lovegrapes 0]

I'm not a nurse, but I'm a Unit Clerk on a busy Surgical Unit. I would suggest at very least two weeks off and have a contingency plan in case you need to take more time off. I took two weeks off and I felt like I was hit by a train by the time I went home after eight hours. I couldn't imagine what it would be like doing more physical work as a nurse would do. All the stooping, crouching, leaning and being on your feet will wear you out fast and can make you quite sore.

[rhondalou117 1]

As an RN on a surgical floor we do a lot of lifting and I took two weeks off and smartly returned on my short week, man I was tired after those two days, and I was not prepared to be soo busy that I was unable to get a snack and my sugar dropped, while I was pushing some meds, I had our UC bring me a juice so I could finish.

The next day went much better. but I was glad to have the weekend off to recouperate. My shift has been great with the lifting restriction.:biggrin:

Protien, protien, protien.

[Snowgator 3]

I am a RN, have two jobs. My doc says I can return to the desk job in 3 days (but I'm taking one week off). For my RN job doing adult med/surg he wants me to take off 4 weeks.