kellian

Thanks so much for your response. My surgeon also has a 2-4 week range - theoretically, I guess - but now they are adamant that everyone gets 3 weeks. It's "protocol". Anyway, I stood my ground and got 1 more week, which gives me 4 weeks total, so I guess I count that as a win. I'm still nervous about going back to work but I'll just have to do the best I can and hope my body is ready.

I am 12 days post-surgery (VSG) and having the same problem. My pain had gone away enough that I no longer needed pain medication until about 3 days ago. I am having similar pain to what others have described - underneath incision, intense pain, can't lie on either side, etc. I feel certain that it is internal stitches acting up. My surgeon has refused to authorize more than 3 weeks off work for me, which would have me going back to work in 9 days. I am an RN at a hospital and have a very physically demanding job, 12 hour shifts. There is no "light duty" in nursing. I'm really worried about returning to work while still having so much pain. I have my 2 week follow-up appointment next Tuesday. Any suggestions on how to best advocate for myself and make the dr understand why I don't feel like going back to work so soon is a good idea? I advocate for my patients daily, but seem to be having a problem advocating for myself. Of note - I'm not even expected back at work until 5/29, so it's not an issue of my boss denying me the time off or inconveniencing anyone at my job. This is my first post, so thanks in advance for any responses.