Hi all, My name is Sara and I live in NC, and work for TJMaxx, I have completed all my requirements for surgery and am waiting on approval. I getting super anxious and really really REALLY want to have it done before Nov, (we go into "blackout" basically no time off approved). How long is the recovery period? Does anyone who has had the LAP-BAND® and works in retail have any advice? Is this something I can do during the holiday season?

Hi, Sara. I don't have any definite answers for you but I'm going through the same thing.

My surgery is October 11th and I just got hired on at Cabela's (large outdoorsy store) for the holiday season... which will require me to be on my feet and walking about 90% of my 8 hour shift. So I can definitely let you know if it's doable because I have no other choices!

Keep in touch! :wub:

I will let you know next week. I am being Banded on Monday and own a Family Shoe Store. I have all of Next week off But Will probably come in and do some work the end of the week.

Hi. I work at CVS as a cashier. I was banded on August 26th, and didn't go back to work until September 13th. I didn't want to go back to work until I was eating again, since while I was on liquids I was so weak. I started eating on Friday, and had to go visit my in-laws over the weekend so I started on Monday.

I would suggest you take 2 weeks off, it is hard to stand on your feet after surgery. I was still getting tired even more than a week after surgery, and like I said not eating really makes your energy levels plummet.

As for not being able to take time off work, this is surgery. Whether it's voluntary or not, it's still surgery, and I'm pretty sure it won't count for the blackout period. My store is much more lenient on vacation than most (I was allowed to go to FL to see my parents on December 23rd last year) but they let me go with no problems. The same week I had my surgery the only other cashier went back to college, but they still let me have off. Have your doctor write you a note and they have to give you the time off. If you've been working there for more than a year then they are required to give you unpaid time off through the Family Medical Leave Act, it's the law.

I wish I could take two weeks off. They were a little "meh" about me taking a whole week off because I'm so new.

They told me I could have the week off but if I felt better before the week was up, I was more than welcome to come in and work.

Well I'm sure!! :thumbup:

I wish everyone the best of luck!

i have close family and friends who work for the "Maxx", so I have personal knowledge of what you speak! First I would contact the company human resources department and find out what the official policies are for the company, don't rely on your manager to be completly up front with you during holiday season. Secondly you will not be permitted to do any lifting for 6 weeks post-op. I'm a home care nurse, and i took 2 weeks off, which was just about right, I would not have been able to go back after one week because i was still taking the ocassional pain pill. The other thing you need to think about is being able to take breaks frequently for your fluids and bathroom needs. Everyone is different, and some people feel better sooner but there is just no way to know ahead of time. I understand your anxiousness, I was origionally planning on early jan, but due to insurance and the surgeon's schedule I wasn't banded untill March 31. Just remember this is a process....a journey....a delay of 8 weeks to get you past the holidays is insignificant in the big picture.....and in this economy, few of us can afford to risk our jobs. Good luck!

I think you have to rely on your pain tolerance, and your own knowledge of your body. I have had a lot of knee surgeries...and I have a high pain tolerance. I teach 3, 4, and 5 year olds w/disabilities-there is lifting at times, a lot of up and down off the floor, and a lot of energy required. I had surg Aug. 13th, and I went back to work on Aug 16th. I've been fine. Does your doc have recommendations?

Hi l live in Wilmington,NC I work in the food service department at a hospital. I had my Galbadder taken out on June 2, 2009 I took 1 week off and on July 14, 2009 I was banded I took 6 days off. I did great great here it is September 18 2010 I am down 97 lbs and training to walk 1/2 marathon on November 7.

Thanks everyone for their input, I have come to the conclusion that I will have the surgery no matter what week it is. I am sure that my manager could come up with reasons for me not to be out in Jan/Feb, or whenever. As far as the pain, I am not concerned and the gas should not be too big of a problem, as I will be walking alot, :thumbup:. I have been an assistant for 5 years now, and have never been out. Plus, I can't let my job rule my life. :thumbup:

As for feeling weak, I have to do a 2 week liquid diet, so I will already have pushed through that phase. Lord help my associates and customers during those weeks.:tt1: I will be surrounded by associates, so I really don't have to do any lifting...All I have to do is delegate..LOL!!. I am crossing my fingers that I can get on the schedule by the end of October.

I'll keep you all posted on my ongoing saga.

Thanks for the help!!

Sara

I know exactly where you're coming from. I used to be Store Manager for a large grocery store chain for 15 years. The "holiday" season is crazy and managers never like their "key" people to be on vacation or sick leave during that time. With that being said, it is the law that your employer must allow you the time off. And while I never ever would have agreed with myself back when I was in retail, I now say you must do what is right for you!

There's never a good time to have surgery. There is always something you can justify for a reason not to do it, whether that be pre-op diet, liquid diet, someone else/another employee on vacation at that time, Black Friday, whatever... Do you what you need to do for YOU and do the best you can to get back to work in a timely manner. I think of it as compromise.

Good Luck to you, Sara!

i had surgery on 9/16 and i could not go back to work yet even if i wanted to. it gets better every day but i am not ready to be up for 10hrs a day everyone is different best of luck to you SIGPIC][/sIGPIC]