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

How long should I take off work after surgery???



Recommended Posts

I was banded on 12/28 and went back to work today - 9 days later. I probably would have been ok going back at 7 days but much sooner than that I wouldn't have been able to do it. Not only to you have to think about the physical adjustment, but there are the changes in eating & drinking habits too that need to be incorporated into daily work life. Everyone is different...I think my time off was just about right.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Whew! This process is moving along very fast. In September I became interested in WLS after I was deathly afraid for my sister to have VGB WLS. In the process of researching I came across Lap Band Surgery and decided this was the most logical WLS out there for me. It definitely seemed much safer and could help to address the issue of overeating (even the good foods). My apprehension of my sister getting WLS actually helped me to choose WLS, what a turnaround.

Well my reason for posting is to ask about how long people normally take off work after lap band surgery (or will be taking off). I have read in posts from days to 3 weeks. I have finished my 3 dietician visits, primary physician visits, psych visit and have solid support from all three. The only thing I am waiting for is the surgeon to call me after the team has approved me as a good candidate to schedule our appointment. After that I wait for insurance approval. They told me it would be about a month before I get a surgery date. I am a teacher and am trying to plan the surgery date to provide as little disruption as necessary. I can't wait until our spring break because our board and union agreed to change everyone to a different insurance as of April 1st. Do you think it's possible for me to take Thursday and Friday off right before a Monday mid-semester break day? That would be 5 days off---it really would be nice if I could have the surgery Wednesday afternoon!

What do you think? I was trying to have all my appointments done before Winter Vacation, but appts wouldn't line up. I don't want to tell anyone at my job, they gossip way too much.

Hi! I am also a teacher and I too was concerned about taking days off and missing school. Fortunately, my surgeon was able to schedule surgery the Tuesday before Christmas. It was ideal. I had almost 2 weeks to recover. It was awesome! I could have gone back to work the following Monday (but fortunately we had that week off). I was still sore and a little slow at moving around but I could have managed it! Everyone is different and reacts differently to surgery and you will know when you are ready to go back to work!

Best of luck with scheduling the surgery and having it! I was soooo scared but so far everything has been going great!

By the way, I also didn't tell anyone at work, and no one even questioned me. I didn't tell any of my family member either (it's a personal choice, as much as I love my family, they aren't good at keeping secrets). My family members did not even notice that I never really ate anything on Christmas because I was still on liquids. I was sooo worried that they would pick up on that but they didn't. The only person in the entire world that knows is my husband. He has been the best support a woman could ever ask for!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm a bit concerned about telling folks at work, too. I could take off, no problem, but I've got a lot of work on my plate right now, so I need to tell them something so they know its not just a vacation. I was thinking about saying I was going to have abdominal surgery and just leave it at that. Depending on what day of the week surgery is scheduled I think I'll take 1 week or less, just to avoid all the questions & gossip.

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

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • 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

    ×