Looking For Realistic Opinion On Time Off

[BoBann 42]

How bad/tired/weak/sore did you post op-ers feel for the first few weeks. I am planning on only taking two weeks off. Is this a sensible time. I have a desk job with lifting or strenuous physical activity. I may have to use vacation time. Looking for some honest opinions.

[Wheetsin 714]

I will be two weeks out on Tuesday and could easily return to work then (I have a desk job). I could have returned after 1 week, but that's right when the energy sap hit me and I'm just today starting to feel like I'm getting over it. My surgeon gave me 4 weeks through my STD coverage, so I have about 2.5 weeks left.

[LGoz 4]

I took 4 weeks off and I have a desk job with no lifting or physical work. I could have done fine at 3 weeks. I think you need the extra time to get used to your new eating. Like what your eating works or doesn't work. Also I did not tell anyone I was having WLS so I wanted to make sure I was fine when I went back. Good luck and best wishes for a wonderful experience..

[BoBann 42]

Thanks Lgoz...... What was your excuse for the time off? What did you tell your boss?

[TheRealMeIsHere! 863]

I felt fine from day 4 on. Actually my energy was/is through the roof, as long as I got enough liquids in.

It makes sense that you need the time to get your eating figured out. Some people have vomiting with certain foods, so you definitely want to know if there are any foods that make you vomit. I hear that the vomiting can sometimes be very sudden and unexpected.

You are able to eat such small portions that you must eat frequently in order to get all of your Protein.

At 2 weeks, I was just starting full liquids. Especially if people at work do not know about your surgery, they will wonder why your eating is so different. But your eating probably won't be 'normal' for a VERY long time anyway.

You probably won't be able to lift for at least a month, depending on your doctor.

I wish you the best of experiences.

[ToDream 18]

I was back at work 6 days post op. I went back for day 6 full day and then did half days the rest of the week. I have a desk job so it wasn't strenuous but in retrospect, I was so completely exhausted, I should have taken 2 weeks.

[Disney_Diva 4]

Im a hairstylist and took 2 weeks... Should have taken 3!! It's the fatigue that gets ya! That first week back to work was awful, be safe and take 3-4.... You can always go back early if you feel up to it

[Aussiegirl 580]

I took 2 weeks and then ended up having 1/2 days for the 3rd week. I thought I was fine to go back after 2 weeks but as soon as I got in the office it was hard work...

Do you have the option to shorten your leave, ie return early if you feel up to it?

[johannae118 1]

I planned on taking only 2 weeks, but needed an additional week. When I returned to work, I worked two days and then had to take 2 additional days off. The fatique is horrible. I had really bad back pain from the surgery and was extremely sore for about 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. I also have an office job, but I couldn't have returned at 2 weeks mostly because of the fatigue and because my mind was mush. I couldn't concentrate on anything for too long and was mentally out of it/slow for about a month. If you are using FMLA, I would recommend asking the doctor for a 3 week excuse just in case. You can always ask him to sign release to work sooner if you feel well enough to work.

[DDFinn 118]

I had my surgery on a Friday and went back to work the next Monday. I have an active job, no sitting! I was tired when I got home the first few days but it was fine. I also went back to work one week after my gallbladder surgery. Everyone is different and you just have to listen to your body. I have always been a high energy person who hates to sit down! I would say its better to err on the side of caution! Good Luck .L

[Carly 56]

I went back to work yesterday after having one week off. I have been fine. I teach at the university so I am up at 5:00, at school by 6:30, and teaching from 8-11. I am usually back home by 1:00. These past two days I have been tired when I got home, but no huge deal. I don't think anyone could guess that I had surgery by my disposition at work. For me, it has been ok.

[NoExcuses 24]

^{Today is my first day back to work after having two weeks off. So far so good, even after having to wake up at 5:30 am. I feel pretty good. Prepared all my mushies and drinks for the day and things are going well. I do have a desk job, though so there is no manual labor that I have do to.}

[Mews 37]

I'm having serious energy problems and I'm about 3 1/2 weeks out. It is very difficult for me to get through the day as I'm so exhausted and mentally worn down. I would recommend three weeks off. As the others said, if you feel fine you can always go back to work early.

In terms of telling your boss, just say that you are having surgery (you don't have to go into specifics) and the doctor requires you to take x amount of time off. By law (Family Medical Leave Act), you're allowed up to 12 weeks off unpaid with no negative repercussions from your job.

[lismivel1 0]

I was back at work in a week. Good luck it is only the beggining for me and there is days I am thinking What Have I Done!!!!!!!!! But I just keep looking forward:)

[Anakin Jay 39]

I was out for 1 week, and did half days the next week, and I feel like that was perfect.