Hello All,

I'm new to the forum and in the beginning stages of preparing for surgery. The biggest hurdle is over though, as my insurance has approved the surgery (it took them 24 hrs!) and now I find myself putting off my consult with the surgeon because during this time he likes to talk about suregry dates and I am just unsure as to when I should have it done. My deciding factor for a surgery date will be based on how long it takes to recooperate. So, if you would all be so kind as to share your post-op recovery timeframes and stories I would greatly appreciate it!

Tomorrow is my three week mark and I go back to work on Tuesday. I don't have any surgical pain and feel "fine" I have just had trouble getting food down and am therefore really tired. I could do my job (legal secretary) without a problem, I'm just worried about lasting all day and then coming home to my three kids under 8.

I am two weeks out and going back to work tomorrow. I work part-time though so I was able to get some shorter shifts. I am on my feet the whole time but there is minimal lifting. I will say that I felt like I could have gone back to work after about 10 days. I also had a hernia repair done. My surgeon told me that I should wait at least a week and when it came to lifting "if it hurts stop, otherwise whatever you are up to". Good luck!

I have a desk job and I went back in 9 days. I was really tired though. I would suggest half days for a week if possible.

Tippy

Thanks..that is great advice. I think I will do just that. Hope for the best & that I am well enough to return in 7 days and upon my return work half days for another week or so.

Thanks everyone for all the replies. You all don't know how much of a relief it is to hear these things. I think I have heard so many negative stories about recovery that it has frightened me into thinking I will be completely incapacitated for 4 or more weeks. That would be horrible for a busy body like myself. Again thanks a million for the replies and such. Looking forward to being able to contribute to post-op knowledge forums myself!

I had the procedure on Sept 28th. Came home Sept. 30. I am going back to work this Friday, Oct 7, 9 days later. Desk job. I feel fine. Not even tired despite the clear liquid diet. Down 8 lbs as of today.

I am a nurse in a busy Labor & Delivery unit. I had my surgery on the 18th of June, and went back to work on July 1. It was to early. I SO wished I could have taken 3-4 weeks off work. I was so tired, clear to the bone tired and had to literally drag myself to work and home again after a 12 hour shift. But I am a contract nurse (Travel Nurse) and contract out to hospitals for 13 weeks assignments, and couldn't take any time off without losing my contract. So I worked. If you have a BUSY job or work LONG hours, be good to yourself and plan on taking 4-6 weeks off to recover if you can. I am past the horible fatigue I had, and so thrilled with my results. But if I were doing it again, I would plan on more time off.

Surgery Mon. afternoon, went home Tues. evening, and went to work at a desk job Friday morning. But I also took the bus/subway to the pharmacy on my way home (by myself) from the hospital, so YMMV.