I work 12 hour days/nights, 5a-5p or 5p-5a. Swapping back and forth from nights and days a couple times a week. I am a female and work as an operator in an oil and gas refinery. My job is very physically demanding including climbing up tall tanks and towers, working on pumps, and opening and closing large valves all outside in hot/cold weather....my question is: With that type of physical work, how long should i take off work after surgery??? im afraid i will get fatigued and/or dehydrated real easily post op if i go back to quickly.

I would say 6 weeks since you're an outside operator. It could probably be half that if you were an inside operator.

I would say at least 4 to 6 weeks

i was thinking around 6 weeks, but i get up to 8 weeks off with full pay. i want to make sure i have my eating down to a tee before i go back on shiftwork too, otherwise that could throw me off big time.

i was thinking around 6 weeks' date=' but i get up to 8 weeks off with full pay. i want to make sure i have my eating down to a tee before i go back on shiftwork too, otherwise that could throw me off big time.[/quote']

If you get 8 weeks with full pay, why not take that extra time to get into a routine before going back? There are so many unknowns as far as hydration and energy, so take a little more. I'm sure you won't regret it with such a physically demanding job.

Yes, the MORE the better. I have a desk job and took 3 whole freakin' days off - Waaaaay to short. I was moserable for weeks. I can't imagine what a physical jopb like yours would do to you post-op.

I work 7p to 7a as a floor nurse in a cardiac hospital. There is a lot of heavy lifting & pulling of patients. I am taking 8 weeks so that I am prepared mentally as well as healed physically.

I'm only taking a few days off, but only because I do a desk job and can work from home. Don't be a hero, take the time you need to be 100%.

If you have the 8 wks paid take them. I only had disability which meant a significant pay cut and although I have a desk job I took the 8 weeks and it really helped me focus and strictly stick to the liquid purée diet. It also helped me get in a lot more exercise and get mentally prepared for such a big change. I also took the time to get other aspects of my life in order which in turn also helped me focus even more on this new and improved lifestyle.