I am a Detention Officer and I am wondering if anyone else works in corrections or a jail/prison. I'm wondering how long you plan on taking off. I'm concerned about where the port will be and my duty belt. And the risk of anyone getting violent and messing up my recovery. My surgery is scheduled for November 12 and I was supposed to go back to work on the following Tuesday, but plan on taking the rest of the week off with sick time. Is that too long or not long enough? Thanks for any answers!

Hi Jenn !

No I am not in Corrections but I do have a semi-physical job ( not as much as Corrections ). My Doctor advises 2 weeks of Disability time for people who have to bend over a lot and or pick up items more then 10 lbs / AND or a physical type job. Also depending on where your surgeon puts the Port, you might want to take off some time so it isn't so sensitive. My Surgeon puts his Port directly above the Belly button so I was a little sensitive there for about a week.

I work in the Motion Picture Industry and this is the start of my third week off and on Disability. I will return to work next Monday. I was going to take 2 weeks off but decided with my job and what I do... I would play it safe and take the extra week to make sure there weren't any complications.

-Brian :smile:

Hi Jenn, I work in corrections in Alaska and I was banded Sept 10,2010. I was off work a week and a half before starting back. But I did start back on a night shift. So I have not wore my duty belt as of yet but have tried it on. I am still a little tender in the port area but I think it will be fine when all the way healed. I wear mine kinda tight anyway so we will see. Good luck in your weight loss. I will let you know if I have any problems when I come back on day shift next wee.:smile:

Edited September 28, 201015 yr by TwillerAK

thanks for the quick answers! I am so excited for you guys. you are newly banded- how is it going so far? Thanks for the input too, I think I will stick with what i was thinking and if I feel like I can go back earlier, I will, or see if I can do light duty.

thanks for the quick answers! I am so excited for you guys. you are newly banded- how is it going so far? Thanks for the input too, I think I will stick with what i was thinking and if I feel like I can go back earlier, I will, or see if I can do light duty.

Honestly i took 1 week. i had surgery on a friday at 11 am and was out sat at 9 am because ins. required it. I went to the movies watched Avatar and walked quite a bit. coulda gone back to work monday to be honest. i felt fine. just stay busy. you wont have a problem......dont lay down and die so to speak!!!:smile:

I am looking forward to hearing more responses on this thread in the long term. I am currently looking to get in to corrections and although I am not banded yet I am wondering if a job like that, one with the risk of maybe a blow to the stomach or something, might do something to complicate your health. Even though I know a blow to the stomach may be rare, it is still a possibility I would think.

I would go back on light duty when you go back, at least for a week. My honey is corrections officer and has lap band, but was not one when the banding occured. You could also ask the surgeon where the port will be and describe where your belt hits you, he might place it higher/lower for you. I hear they have flat ports now? Not sure, you could ask about that too. If an emergency comes up at work, it's best for you to be healed. And those inmates are unpredictable as I'm sure you know lol.

I would go back on light duty when you go back, at least for a week. My honey is corrections officer and has LAP-BAND®, but was not one when the banding occured. You could also ask the surgeon where the port will be and describe where your belt hits you, he might place it higher/lower for you. I hear they have flat ports now? Not sure, you could ask about that too. If an emergency comes up at work, it's best for you to be healed. And those inmates are unpredictable as I'm sure you know lol.

That's a great idea! I will ask him about where he plans on placing the port. Thanks! I wish I had another consultation with the surgeon before I have the surgery.

I don't work in corrections but I work for a local PD. I'm taking 3 weeks off becuase of the whole duty belt thing. I dont want it to rub againt any incisions and irritate them. I have the sick time so im taking it. IM getting banded tomorrow @ 0730.. So excited :smile2:

I am not in corrections, but I too have a physical job. I am a licensed vet tech and have to pick up dogs and bend over and get on the floor to work sometimes. As of right now, I plan on taking a week, but will talk to the surgeon about it at my last appointment. I mean I will definitely have to tell my supervisor that I probably shouldn't pick up large dogs for a week or 2 after I come back and stuff.