I've got a few more days of scheduled leave before I have to return to work. I'm currently debating returning a little early and doing two half-days, vs. using all the leave I've scheduled but having to do a full 8-hour day my first day back.

I hadn't really thought about the fact that my first days back in the office will also be my first days trying pureed foods - seems like it could be a risky combination! I may stick with Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch and try out purees at dinner - I REALLY don't want to get sick at work. My colleagues mostly know I was out for "surgery", but not what kind.

Any tips or words of wisdom for those first days back? Emergency supplies I should bring to the office?

Thanks!

Hi Escape Pod

I'm guessing we're a few days apart, I'm on day 5 after surgery and obviously will have another week on fluids before I can go pureed. However, I've been dreaming about that time

Could you try - egg custard (without the pastry) for your lunch? or maybe a cup a Soup, with bits sieved out. - stewed fruit and custard (that's something I've been almost fantasising about) - or if you don't want it to look obvious, how about a small banana and just chewing it really, really well - mushing in one's mouth, before swallowing? If you have a microwave, could you do scrambled egg?

Very simple basic ideas, I know. Hope it helps?

Hi Escape-

I think returning early so that you have the option of a couple of 1/2 days is a great idea. I am not sure how long you have been off. I took 5 days off before returning to my job as a highschool administrator. I was able to dictate my schedule so I made the first few days mostly office work. I was able to work full 8 hour days the first two days but I took a 1/2 day on Wednesday for the first two weeks. Having that middle of the week half-day to rest and recover was a huge lifesaver for me. I would also suggest evening naps when you get home for the first couple of weeks (if you can manage it). That 30-45 minutes of rest really helped me as well. I was very tired from weeks 1-4 as my body adjusted to the extreme change in calories.

As for what to have at work with you, I had plenty of G2, Protein shakes, cup of Soups (tomato and cream of chicken) and greek yogurt. The cup of soups and yogurt worked really well at disguising that I had weight-loss surgery since those are common things co-workers had for Snacks and drinks. As you get into mushies, I also had 100 calorie cheese packets, etc.

Best of luck to you!

Amanda

I was back to work a week postop and it's a busy walking all day kinda job (I'm an RN in a busy recovery room). Just to make things easier, even now at work I really only have my protein drinks and water/crystal light. I don't get hungry, but sometimes feel empty, but nothing a few sips of water/protein couldn't fix. If I'm going to eat, I'd rather be at home where I could actually enjoy it. I find that eggs and bananas are really filling. I can only eat one egg now, unlike before surgery where I probably could have had 4+. I found that all the activity decreased any soreness I had around my belly. Wear loose clothes, especially if you have a drain. Especially stretchy pants. Good luck, either way you do schedule yourself, you will do great!

Thanks! With the food, I'm mostly concerned about not tolerating something new and getting sick at work. I hear many people have picky sleeves that don't tolerate certain foods well, or foods are fine one day and not the next. I figured it might be hard to work through all that with meals at work.

I also want to make sure I remember things like my mug warmer for broth, a whisk for mixing those shakes, extra liquid Tylenol, just in case.... Just thought others might have a list of things they wanted on hand.

Yeah, I tried food.at work and I would feel kinda ill afterwards. Try it st home first until you know how much you can take. Also, if I do ever bring food, its pre measured in a little container so you can't overdo it.

Hi ya I'm now 8 weeks post op but in the beginning I just stuck with soup for lunch as it was so easy and I didn't feel sick after.

I did get sick at work when I moved on to more solid food but only because people made comments about how little I was eating. I would eat new things away from others at first but now I just say I had a big breakfast.

Try scrambled eggs, backed beans, or soup. Things do get so much easier I now have things like crackers and cheese, humose, and soup still when I'm feeling a little stressed.

Good luck and remember to rest when you get home each evening! X x x