My surgery is on July 16th and I'm a teacher. I don't have to go back to school until, I believe, Sept. 1st.

I don't have children and generally no plans except to see friends and family and do whatever house stuff and teaching preparation for the fall. I plan to do the major moving of crates and organizing of all sizes 6-24 that I have BEFORE surgery.

It's kind of a double-edged sword because on the one hand, what a blessing to have so much time to do whatever is needed (esp. if complications- which I am not going to even entertain- positive attitude ) walking, weighing food and writing it down--but on the other hand I will have sooooo much time to THINK and possibly feel sorry for myself (even though today I'm 100% on board and ready). I mean, if I were working I wouldn't obsess over every healing thing happening in my body.

So, if you have or had this luxury I have, how would you spend the time?

What do you recommend I do to for example prepare to make life easier when I do return to school in the fall? What do you wish you had done?

I do have every book written on weight loss surgery to read- so that's another thing I'll do.

I would tell your friends and fam what you told us. make plans starting about 1 week out - day trips trips to exhibits at museums, outdoor festivals, exercize classes and support groups - art or hobby classes, anything and everything...keep busy.

I Had surgery on 5/10 and still have 2 more weeks before I go back to work. Because of the nature of my job I got 6 weeks off. We moved into a new house a week before surgery, 4 acres in the country, so I've had plenty to do around here. I've been doing what I can as I feel up to it. By now I pretty much feel up to anything. I've also had plenty of time for exercise. Our new place is 20 minutes from some great hiking trails. I've been taking my dogs there 2 or 3 times a week for some nice long hikes. Basically enjoying life.

I was sleeved last Monday and am taking off a month. I would have taken longer if I could get away with it. My main reason for taking enough time off is to allow time to get use to the new way of eating. Next week I will start pureed for 6 weeks.... by working out menu items and how long it takes me to eat during my time at home it will be easier to transition when I add in the work stress. I think it's a good luxury to have the time off.

Thanks for all the responses.

I think mypureed is that long too..That was why I was so glad- getting used to the new way of eating, getting in enough fluids, and not burping, vomiting or whatever stuff some say happens to them. Again, not expecting it but certainly with little kids and the nature of my job (not being able to go to the bathroom for hours etc.) makes it hard in the beginning.

Okay, so I guess I'll remain active, make plans now, and try to keep my mind and body busy. At this weight I've been so in pain that I've generally used the summer to hide away from people in air conditioning and "relax" (i.e. loaf around) and eat. So I'm going to need to follow all this advice and really force myself to change in many ways. I do believe I'll enjoy it too because for the first time in a long time I'll have energy and feel better about my body.

I had it a bit rough post surgery so I would have loved to have had seven weeks off. However, I am a professor and I decided to take the first summer session off so now I have the seven weeks to rest and recuperate. For me, I've been reading a lot. I don't get much time to do that during the semester so I'm enjoying it now while I can. I am also doing a lot of prep work for my classes for the second summer session I will be teaching and the fall. I'm not going overboard but I like to go into a semester knowing all I have to do is grade.

You might get a bit of cabin fever depending on how well your post-op goes. I wasn't anywhere near normal until about 4-6 weeks after surgery so I wish I had the time off then. However, you may be on of the lucky ones with a speedy recovery. Make tentative plans that can be cancelled in case you do feel poorly and keeps the trips short.

Good luck with your surgery.

Thank you. I'll be around with updates.

P.S. I don't understand cabin fever. If I could live with my computer, t.v. and books (and wonderful hubby) I'd be fine. About a week before school starts I think about how I want to be productive and look forward to the kiddies...but apart from that...pfft....happy to be home. And that's the rut I've been in. I'm going to shock a lot of people by getting out.