I've just been given a huge kick in the shins by my work. I am supposed to be having my surgery beginning of august and I applied for 2 weeks off work. My boss has disallowed the 2 weeks and said I could have 1 instead as he couldn't spare me for longer than that. I work in a VERY busy sports club as a waitress and daily walk more than 30,000 steps at work alone, often carrying my own weight in empty plates. (I know you're thinking it... Why am I so fat then? It's because the food is so damn good!!! My personal trainer thinks I'm hiding a 6pack under my protective cushion of fat). I'm not kidding about the weight of the plates. Up to 10kgs at a time. Also, I'm not telling anyone at work what kind of surgery I'm having. I have told a couple of people I'm having a hernia repaired. I really wanted to be better recovered before returning to such a physically demanding job, but do you think 1 week would be enough? How long di it take everybody else to get back to normal?

Also, they are really long shifts, 12 hours plus, 4-5days a week.

What do you guys think?

A week for me I was just getting ready to move around normally. I had abdominal pain still and you still have the no lifting more then 10 lbs for a month. I guess it all depends on your bodies healing and pain tolerance.

i work at a desk all day and took 8 days off. my dr said not to lift anything over 3-4 pounds for a month. (i am sure all drs are different) but i would def ask about lifting all those plates after your surgery. just to be on the safe side. congrats on getting this procedure. we/this forum is here for you.

I had a total of 6 days off including the day of the surgery. I was off and had surgery on Tuesday and was back at work the Monday with very little discomfort. I will add though that I have a very high pain tolerance. I never took much of the pain meds after coming home.

Your employer can refuse you sick leave? Really? You are having surgery. You need proper recovery time and I am sure you are entitled to sick leave.

With such a physical job, ,you need proper recovery time.

In had my surgery on a Wednesday and went to work Sunday. You can check the FMLA requirements and then by federal law they cannot refuse then time off

Your Dr can provide a note about a needed surgery but not say what you are getting. I told work I got a hernia repaired.

I took 1 week off. I was tired when I returned. However, I have a 35 lb two year old. I asked my Dr about her and he said after 3 - 4 days post opt I could lift her b/c my body was already very use to that activity. I started to pick her up and resumed my mom duties at day four with no problem. Your body is use to what you are doing but it sounds like it might be a bit much. You dont want to do damage and have to repair a new surgery. You can also create alot of scar tissue in that early phase. That tissue hurts more later.

After my first c - section, I didnt follow advice and lifted alot of stuff, carried the baby and carrier and crib. I developed scar tissue which is still there.

I really would get a note from the Dr and then it is likely they will have to work with you alittle more. Even if you return at week one, they may have to let you take more trips with less weight.

Best of luck!

I was off only 3 days (I have a desk job) but my doctor suggested not lifting for a couple of weeks. I felt fine after 1 week but I would be concerned lifting those heavy trays. I would get a doctor's note. Maybe you can return to work but on "light duty" for your second week. Good luck with your surgery and I hope all goes well at work.

Melinda in Florida

I'm not sure if I should reschedule for later, but then I risk being in bandster hell for Christmas. I know this sounds really silly, but I have a lot of socializing late in the year and want to be used to my band and have habits formed before I meet all that temptation.

I was banded on 06/11 and I took 2 weeks off from work. I have a desk job but I was still in too much pain to return to work after one week. It wasn't until about Day 10 when I started feeling like myself again. I went back to work yesterday and feel good now, besides a lil soreness around my port. But I definitely think your body needs that extra time to heal. Yes, everyone heals differently but it would be nice for you to have the option to take the time off u need especially with such a demanding job. Good Luck!!