Returning to Work

[SouthFloridaDiva 1]

How soon did everyone return to work after being banded? I was banded 11/30/10 with a hernia repair and would really like to return to work Monday 12/6. I'm worried that it might be too soon - Like feeling great in the morning but not being able to make it through the whole day. Any advice?

[CharCo 0]

I had my surgery on Monday and was back in the office on Wednesday afternoon. It was a stressful time at work - so I felt alot of pressure to return and they didn't know I'd had surgery. I think if I'd waited until Thursday I would have been better off. Friday would have been even better.

[TrailAngel 0]

You should take more time if you can. I was always told by my doctors office that they do surgerys on Thursday and folks return to work on Monday. Yes, I could have, maybe, but would have been very unpleasant. I had my surgery on a Tuesday and one week later went back on a Monday. By the fourth day I was feeling great when I woke up, but was done by around 12:00 - 1:00. I wasn't really ready for a full day yet. The truth is, even after I went back I wasn't great. I think a lot has to do with how you typically respond to coming out of the anethisia. I am horrible. My surgery was great, np problems or issues, with only 4 incisions not 5. But the gas pains I had because of the anethisia were AWEFUL! If you can afford an extra day or two, take them!

Good luck!!!!

[Sha2010 0]

I had surgery on a Wednesday and I returned to work the following Monday. I didn't have any problems. I also had the hernia repair. Make sure you drink very slow and small sips.. I found that room temp drinks were much easier to tolerate with the hernia repair. I had pain for 3 days from drinking cold Water in big sips and too fast.. once i slowed down and caught on to drinking room temp Water the pain went away.

I think its based on the person. Some people go back to work in a couple days and some people a couple weeks. Honestly for me it was better to get back to work and get into my routine. I felt much better then lounging around at home.

Good luck to you.

[AlienBandit 10]

Everyone is different. i am a big baby when it comes to pain so I thought I'd die going back to work but I had my surgery on a Saturday and went back to work on the Monday.

Almost all of my surgeries ( except my tummy tuck) I went back to work right away without any problems. Even with my band taken out, Lipo etc. Though I did take time off work for my tuck ( mini) I could have gone back to work right away.

Strange how I can hyperventilate and lose it at the sight of a needle because I hate pain yet can just back to work so quickly. It is partially my sanity level I guess because I go nuts just resting. I am a very active person so sitting and resting drives me nuts. I guess I should be glad I can bounce back so quickly.

[ansoninc 16]

How soon did everyone return to work after being banded? I was banded 11/30/10 with a hernia repair and would really like to return to work Monday 12/6. I'm worried that it might be too soon - Like feeling great in the morning but not being able to make it through the whole day. Any advice?

I have seen ads where they have some perky looking women saying "I went back to work the day after my lap band surgery"! Are they nuts???? My surgery was on 11/29 and I still find bending over a problem. The gas issue doesn't make life that fun at the moment.

[al0vely 24]

If you have the time available don't go back for at least a week! I think most people that go back sooner have other drivers for the decision than they feel good enough. I had my surgery while I was on vacation so I was able to have 9 days of recovery time before I returned and that was good. The gas problems didn't go away until day 5 or 6 for me.

[SouthFloridaDiva 1]

Thanks Everyone for the advice! Bending over is still extremely rough so I guess I will wait until Sunday night to make my decision. The advice I get on this board is truly amazing. Reading everyone's stories on here is what has gotten me through some ready tough times. Thank you to all who share your stories and advice. You really make a difference.

[Nickel 0]

I took 1 day off - had the surgery on a Weds. at 6pm and worked on Friday with no trouble. I was a little tired and sore but since I have primarily a desk job I was fine.

[vivacious203 0]

Also was banded on 11/30 and plan to go back to work Monday. I think it is an individual

decision, I was still pretty sore yesterday but feel much better today - I think by Monday

I will be ready to get back.