Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

BariatricPal

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
  • Appearance

Join BariatricPal free

  • Ask your own questions
  • Reply and follow topics
  • Message other members
  • No cost, no spam

What Do I Do About Work??

I just started a new job. First should I tell them about the surgery. It's hard to take days off so early on. But I think I can have surgery on a Friday and go back Monday it's a desk job. Any suggestions????

  • Replies 16
  • Views 1.6k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Most Popular Posts

  • Thats All Folks
    Thats All Folks

    I personally think Monday will be too soon. Most surgeons recommend a week off for people at a desk job. I had my surgery on a Friday and didn't feel even remotely "normal" until the Wednesday after

  • I'm taking 7 days off after surgery just in case I feel like crap. I can't work as a nurse for 12 hours feeling bad... I have to be attentive to 30 patients and can't afford to be distracted with pai

  • I told my employer I was having a minor surgical procedure. The next week they wanted to go out to eat after a meeting and I was on mushies so I told them I had a hernai repaired and was having a har

Featured Replies

I personally think Monday will be too soon. Most surgeons recommend a week off for people at a desk job. I had my surgery on a Friday and didn't feel even remotely "normal" until the Wednesday after. I could barely walk without doubling over from gas pain the Monday after, there's no way I could've gone to a job.

Legally, you don't have to tell your employers you're having this surgery. I personally would go to whoever is in charge of time off, tell them vaguely you have a medical issue and will need the time off. If they need a note from your doctor, you can always get one that says simply you are having a "medical procedure" that requires a week's recovery time.

Best wishes!

I had surgery on a Thursday and was back to work as a home daycare on Monday.

I had my surgery on July 17 and went back to work on July 19.

I'm taking 7 days off after surgery just in case I feel like crap. I can't work as a nurse for 12 hours feeling bad... I have to be attentive to 30 patients and can't afford to be distracted with pain at work... this is my weeks vacation for this 6 months...

While you don't have to tell them, it depends on the type of relationship you have/want to have with your new employer. Here in Australia, you would be mostly encouraged if you said, I am having surgery (or medical treatment) for an ongoing health issue. It's pre-booked and I need to have X time off.

I work at a church, so it's a close-knit staff. We visit, we share time, and we've shared a fair number of meals.

=I told one co-worker about my surgery, a woman who I had no doubt would not say a word, and yet if there was problems getting back would cover for me. So when I had surgery on Friday (a day off anyway) and got back on Monday, she watched out for me. I hurt like heck when I got back, but just said my back was out.

I told one person at the office; 4 years later, she is still the only one who knows. Many of these co-workers, I've visited with, eaten with, and had many conversations with... But I don't talk about the surgery because, honestly, I don't want questions. I don't want people asking a lot of questions about the band, I don't want them watching me to see if I will eat something wrong... I don't want them watching me if I get up from the table during a meal wondering if I'm going to throw up.

Like I said, I don't want the crap.

It's you business, and your choice.

  • Author

Thanks. Lots of great advs. Well I work at a construction office and am alone most of the time because all the 6guys that work here are gone for weeks. I think I can manage coming back to work On the forth day post op. I'll just have to get the courage to tell my boss and see how it goes from there.

i had surgery on a wed and wanted to go back to work on the follow monday. i ended up taking the entire next week. i am so glad that i did also......but you do what works for you.

if you are comfortable, tell him about the surgery.

if not, dont.

all the best :)

I told my employer I was having a minor surgical procedure. The next week they wanted to go out to eat after a meeting and I was on mushies so I told them I had a hernai repaired and was having a hard time keeping things down. I ended up having a hernia repaired during surgery so it wasn't a total lie but I don't want the questions or evil looks if I don't lose as quickly as people think I should.

You don't have to tell what surgery is for. Just that your having a minor procedure done and need a few days recovery. I remember tell a male college that I was having a procedure done and because I was vague at first he assumed it was a " woman" thing and didn't want to know anymore. so it may work to advantage working with men- may be less questioning.

I would give them the generic "need the day off for a minor procedure". You could even say you were having a minor abdominal procedure if you felt like sharing more, in case you're worried about post-op pain/restricted movement. They shouldn't ask many more questions. I have a mostly desk job working in Physical Therapy and was able to have surgery Friday and come back Monday.

I didn't tell people at work, and that was the best decision for me. It really kept the "Food Police" off my back as I was losing! I've been at goal for 2+ years now, and it's nice to be able to have an occasional cookie without feeling like I'm being judged (as in "OMG.. She had weight loss surgery... What is she doing eating a COOKIE?!")

As for work, you should plan to take Monday off if you can, and Tuesday too. You may be OK to go in on Wednesday. I'd just let the office know you are having surgery (it's illegal for them to ask what kind of surgery) and that you need those two days because you'll be recovering.

I hope that helps. Congratulations on your surgery!! Take before photos and your measurements ASAP if you haven't yet!

Best wishes,

Catherine

I didn't tell people at work, and that was the best decision for me. It really kept the "Food Police" off my back as I was losing! I've been at goal for 2+ years now, and it's nice to be able to have an occasional cookie without feeling like I'm being judged (as in "OMG.. She had weight loss surgery... What is she doing eating a COOKIE?!")

As for work, you should plan to take Monday off if you can, and Tuesday too. You may be OK to go in on Wednesday. I'd just let the office know you are having surgery (it's illegal for them to ask what kind of surgery) and that you need those two days because you'll be recovering.

I hope that helps. Congratulations on your surgery!! Take before photos and your measurements ASAP if you haven't yet!

Best wishes,

Catherine

Wow.... you look great!

I took off a week after I initially planned only 5 days off. I did limited duty for 6 weeks because I have a physically demanding job.

I work as a tech at a hospital and because of my heavy lifting and pulling my doctor has taken me out for 4 weeks. But i am also having a hiana hernia repaired as well. I think it all depends on you and how you are feeling. Im hoping to go back before that but took it off just incase!

Join the conversation

You can post as a guest; create a free account to track replies, follow topics, and be part of the largest weight loss surgery community.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.