Hi all,

Is it realistic to return to work 1 week after surgery??? I'm a nurse, so my Job is very demanding physically at times & I'm on my feet all day.. Advice please?

I am a Pharmacist and I sit most of the day 2 weeks was just right. I'd say you will need 3 weeks unless u get a return to work with lifting restrictions/light duty.

Thanks for your reply. My only problem is I've only been given 1 week off & that's for the rest of the year... Will our surgeons write a medical certificate to ensure the extra week off from work? It's so complicated. Especially in my work environment, if I went back on light duties, I would have a million questions asked as to why I needed it.. Plus they all gossip!

My surgeon will fill out paperwork for short term disability for two weeks.

Ok cool, thanks. I know my manager won't be too happy with me if I take off a whole extra week. But it's my health & I would hate to cause myself avoidable complications.. Thanks for the advice

Thanks for your reply. My only problem is I've only been given 1 week off & that's for the rest of the year... Will our surgeons write a medical certificate to ensure the extra week off from work? It's so complicated. Especially in my work environment, if I went back on light duties, I would have a million questions asked as to why I needed it.. Plus they all gossip!

I went back after 5 days, but my job is not at all physically demanding. After being sleeved you can't lift more than 10lbs. for about 6 weeks. You definitely don't want to risk your health. Any chance you can talk to your manager and without giving all your details, let them know that you are having a procedure that will require you to be on light duty. There are tons of procedures that could fit the bill here, not just bariatric surgery. You can protect your privacy and your health.

What kind of nurse are you? Is light duty even an option? Do you get breaks? We had a thread about this over the weekend, which made me decide that the 4 weeks I arranged is probably not enough and I'll probably take 6. (We have FMLA insurance so I can do this.) I had a band to sleeve and I am in my 50s, things that I think are making me bounce back more slowly than I had expected. So maybe think about how it would go if you did need more time. BTW, you are not responsible for your manager's happiness, if you need surgery, have a baby, whatever, it's her/his responsibility to deal with it.

I work in healthcare as well, physical therapist assistant. Personally, I have to take off 7-8 weeks. My surgeon has a 5lb lifting restriction for 8 weeks. I explained I can not work with a lifting restriction and she agreed that she may let me go back a bit earlier depending on my status at my 6 week follow up. I am taking two weeks of sick/personal time, then the rest is short term disability. I am now two weeks post op, and even though I am bored at home and would love to be back at work, I know I could not handle my usual work load. There is no "light duty" in the nursing facility setting for me. I am sure if you go back after 2 weeks you will certainly be on light duty.

Great question!,

I'm a Dental Assistant, I thought I could return after 1 week but I took two weeks and I am so glad I did. I had a very easy time with surgery able to get all my fluids in and still needed two weeks. It gives you time to get in the routine with you fluids. Good luck

I went back after 3 days off and I wasn't given any lifting restrictions. I'm up and down and walk a lot with my job.

I talked to human resources and they gave me FMLA for 4 weeks and I didn't have to tell my dept why. So talk to someone in HR

Have you been on your job for greater than 12 months? If so, FMLA will guarantee your job. They cannot ask you what you're having done either. That is a federal law. Now you may not get paid for all the time off depending on if u have short term disability insurance. If u don't try to stay home as long as you can possibly afford to. Your surgeon should be able to give you a notice for up to 8 weeks. Stop talking to your direct supervisor and start talking to HR! There are laws to protect you.

hi all

I work as a nursing assistant. I was wondering if i should take more than 3 weeks off. Just like the nurse above. my job is psychical.

It totally depends on u... I tried going back to school 2 weeks after surgery and I couldn't do it... I didn't get time to drink Water all day and the next day I felt so ill because I was getting constant head spins... I decided to take a break from school until I know how to use the sleeve properly ... also it's been 3 weeks since my surgery and today I have extreme stomach pain... so everyday u will feel different... of all depends on ur body

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I am a teacher and I went back to work exactly one week post op. I was a little weak the first two days but I did it. I am now almost two weeks post op and I feel almost 100%. There's not much heavy lifting here though.

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