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

How fast can you return to work ?



Recommended Posts

Hello! I am getting the gastric sleeve and need to give my work some sort of idea. Ideally, I would like to return ASAP. I work in fashion apparel and sit at a desk 24/7 with travel at different times of the year. I can schedule my surgery to be far away from traveling. But how long did it take for most of you to return ?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I took 6 weeks off from work (STD at 100% pay). You'll get a variety of responses to your question. Some people went back within a week; others took as much time as me. I'd say the average is probably 2-4 weeks. Fatigue was a real issue for me right up until I went back to work. Speaking for me, I could not have gone back in less than 2 weeks. But that's me.

My advice is to take as much time as your personal, professional, and financial situations will allow. Remember that it is not only about healing, it is also about getting yourself off on the right foot with regard to your Protein and Water intake and your progression through the food stages.

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For desk jobs it is usually about two weeks. Some people go back sooner and are fine. Some people go back later and regret going back that early. For me, I went back at 15 days post-op and my biggest problem was fatigue. I was SO TIRED by the end of the work day that I would go straight to bed after dinner. I think it depends some on your food stages as well. Those who are allowed to advance through the food stages more quickly are able to get more calories in and won't be as tired. Check with your program to see what your post-op food stages are. If you are back on at least purees or soft foods by the time you return to work, it will be easier than if you are still on liquids.< /p>

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my surgery on a Tuesday and was back in the office on the following Monday. I worked a couple of half days that week. I think 2 weeks is the average though. Don't push it--you'll be tired anyway.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had surgery on a Friday and was back the following Thursday. I have a desk job so it was pretty easy. I was tired but took a nap in my car during lunch!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

my work basically wont let me take off two weeks until September. Which is really frustrating. is that illegal ?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

my work basically wont let me take off two weeks until September. Which is really frustrating. is that illegal ?

Are you entitled to FMLA benefits?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

don't think so. I mean I was very successful with my pre weight loss, lost about 30 pounds and i'm just afraid that I will loose momentum for surgery or become to small to qualify.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am taking 8 weeks. I an an art teacher that travels to 24 classrooms a week pushing a cart. Stressful....I have the days and my internist who approved my surgery will give me as long as I need. I have 10 weeks of sick pay left. My surgeon on the other hand said he wouldn't give 6 weeks to a construction worker. He gave me 6 but I bypassed him by my internist. I told him teaching and traveling is very hard. Plus kids run in the hall and I don't need someone running into me. This has happened before and my cart has hit a rough patch and fell over hitting me in my leg. I will go back for the last 9 weeks then retire. I'm done!!!

????sonkat5355????

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Im taking 6 weeks off as,per my surgeon and that is on short term disability with 100% pay. I'm fortunate at that plus my bosses are very supportive and want me to rest and heal properly. I'm also having the sleeve. My surgery is on Jan 30th

Sent from my SM-J700T using the BariatricPal App

Edited by msjessy323

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a desk job too, took two weeks off and was quite ready to return to work when I did.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had bypass I own and run my own daycare and went back to work after three days. And no complications. Dr said if I felt up to it I was fine just to watch when and if I lift.

HW 289 CW 230 bypass 11/22/16

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

    • ChunkCat

      Thank you everyone for your well wishes! I totally forgot I wrote an update here... I'm one week post op today. I gained 15 lbs in water weight overnight because they had to give me tons of fluids to bring my BP up after surgery! I stayed one night in the hospital. Everything has been fine except I seem to have picked up a bug while I was there and I've been running a low grade fever, coughing, and a sore throat. So I've been hydrating well and sleeping a ton. So far the Covid tests are negative.
      I haven't been able to advance my diet past purees. Everything I eat other than tofu makes me choke and feels like trying to swallow rocks. They warned me it would get worse before it gets better, so lets hope this is all normal. I have my follow up on Monday so we'll see. Living on shakes and soup again is not fun. I had enough of them the first time!! LOL 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Still purging all of the larger clothing. This morning, a shirt that I ADORED wearing ended up on top. Hard to let it go, but it was also hard to let go of those habits that also no longer serve my highest good. Onward and upward!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Onedayatatime365

      Looking to connect with others who are also on the journey of better health. Post-Op Gastric Sleeve (4/11/24).
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • jparadigm

      Happy Wednesday!
       
      I hope everyone is having a lovely week so far! 
      It's been a bit of a struggle this last week...I'm hungry ALL the time.
      · 1 reply
      1. BlondePatriotInCDA

        Have a great Wednesday too! Sorry you're hungry all the time, I'm pretty much the same..and I'm sick of eating the same food all the time.

    • ChunkCat

      Well, tomorrow I go in for an impromptu hiatal hernia repair after ending up in the ER over the weekend because I couldn't get food down and water was moving at a trickle... I've been having these symptoms on and off for a few weeks but Sunday was the worst by far and came with chest pain and trouble breathing. The ER PA thinks it is just esophagitis and that the surgeon and radiologist are wrong. But the bariatric surgeon swears it is a hernia, possibly a sliding one based on my symptoms. So he fit me into his schedule this week to repair it! I hope he's right and this sorts it out. He's going to do a scope afterwards to be sure there is nothing wrong with the esophagus. Here's hoping it all goes well!!
      · 4 replies
      1. AmberFL

        omgsh!! Hope all goes well!! Keeping you in my thoughts!

      2. gracesmommy2

        Hope you’re doing well!

      3. NickelChip

        I hope it goes well! Sending positive thoughts for a speedy recovery!

      4. AmberFL

        How are you doing? any update?!

  • 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

    ×