I took off 1 week and am due back on Wednesday and there is no way I am able to do that! I had my surgery on Tuesday and had a hiatal hernia repaired also...that was a surprise ! I went from post op holding to PCU unit for observation which I stayed the night and was released the next afternoon. I have had severe pain across my left shoulder and a lot of gas pains still,but is getting a little better with each day.. I really was wondering how long everyone took off? How about the pain? Anyone else with a hiatal hernia?

I took 3 weeks off primarily because my job involves lifting.

10 days was plenty for me.

I had surgery on Thursday and went back to work Tuesday. I could have gone back Monday but because it rain it decided to take the day. I was very lucky in my recovery though.

Two weeks and I had hiatal hernia. I was medic and went back to lifting. Wasn't easy. I would get tired very easily.

I took 10 days off, and I also had a hiatal hernia repair. I am a nurse, and I probably should have taken a few more days before doing any kind of lifting/repositioning patients, but it worked out okay. I've had a pretty easy recovery and not too much pain.

It sounds like your recovery is a little bumpier. If you aren't ready, can you call and talk to HR and get a doctor's note if needed to take a few more days off?

I took off one week. I'm a teacher. I felt better each day so you may think differently once Tuesday rolls around. I was definitely tired in the evenings the first week I went back to work. I'm 3 weeks post op now and feel good.

I took ten days off. I had a 35 mile commute and couldn't sit completely upright for the first nine days because of the location of one of the incisions.

Kind of wished I had taken longer, but oh well...

Also had a lifting restriction for six weeks, which was a great justification for not overdoing it once I returned. I'm a sales person who spends a lot of time behind the steering wheel and within a few weeks was pretty well back to normal.

I can get more time off I just feel horrible that I need more time.... I work in the medical field also and I do at times need to help patients up. I am just shocked it was this painful. I think this hurt more than my hysterectomy ...no lie....but I am ready for this new beginning, it will all be worth it.

I'm a teacher and have put in for a two week leave. My administration was totally fine with that and I just have to submit the required paperwork. I then will be back for one week (can we say LOTS of showing educational movies) and then will be home again for Spring Break.

good luck =)

I sit at a computer all day and I took 1 week off. Tried to go back a few days early but had to go back home due to the discomfort.

My surgeon upfront said to take two weeks off, no matter what kind of job you had. This is for recovering from the surgery as well as adjusting to your new eating habits before adding work back into the routine. I have arranged for two weeks off following my surgery in March. I have a desk job, but I want that time to adjust food-wise too.

I took two weeks off. Then did "light duty" for a couple more. Everyone is different, so listen to your body and surgeon.

I was going back tomorrow which would have been 1 week off..but due to my shoulder and the worst pain I ever felt in my life...I have decided to go back Monday . I really hope this gas pain goes away by then!

I was going back tomorrow which would have been 1 week off..but due to my shoulder and the worst pain I ever felt in my life...I have decided to go back Monday . I really hope this gas pain goes away by then!

This helped me tremendously for gas/shoulder/neck pain:

Fill a long sock with rice, tie it off by knotting it around itself at the opening. Then microwave for 2-3 minutes. It gives heat, moisture, and a little counter-pressure. I really loved it, especially when Tylenol wasn't helping enough.

I had my surgery on a Thursday, took that day and Friday along with the following week and returned this past Monday. If I could have taken another week off I would have but I didn't have enough leave banked to do it. First day back was rough. I sit at a desk all day working on financial information and by the end of the day my line of incisions were sore and my back hurt from the awkward way I was trying to sit to relieve the pressure on my tummy. Today was a little better and I'm guessing each day will get better. I do have to say it is nice to get back into my routine again and out from in from of the TV at home. Cabin Fever was beginning to set in so I'm happy to be back at work and moving again. I may hurt some from being up at the office but it's also helping me heal quicker.