How soon after surgery have u returned to work?

les · May 25, 2007

I was banded Thursday (3/29). I returned to work (desk job) today. That was really pushing it but I'm in my last 2 weeks of this job and need to get there. I have some help here at home (hubby out of town) so that is good, re: kids and transporting them around, etc. I parked extra close (and paid a premium for it). I was moving pretty slowly but I don't think my coworkers noticed. I am resting a lot tonight and may cut out early tomorrow.
Doing well though -- my only pain seems to be gas caught just under the rib cage in the diaphram area. I can sleep (inclined) about 5 hours and then it wakes me up and I have to move to a recliner with a heating pad. I look forward to sleeping on my side again.

I dumped the vicodin on day 2 because I hated feeling spacy and drunk. I take liquid tylenol about twice a day and cheated tonight / took an advil.

I have had diarhea (sp) almost since day 1 so am trying to keep the fluids going.

I am having trouble getting in the necessary amount of Protein. Most of the Protein powder I have is either sweet flavored or is only bearable with sweet-flavored items like pudding and powder shakes. I need to start mushy foods (they told me to do that right after leaving the hospital) but I have been reluctant. pureed meat just sounds so awful.

Does it get better??????????????????

Syrah · May 27, 2007

Yep, Les, every day gets better. Hang in there!!

cj_ole · June 21, 2007

That's a good question for me too. I have a pretty physical job, Im up and down stairs, work a 12 hour shift, and work shift work. (I work in a power plant) I have to "crank" on some valves, do ladders, all sorts of "labor intense" things. Anyone have any insight into that? I can get a two week period off each month. Does that sound like long enough?

Thanks!

kris9678 · July 8, 2007

I talked to my doctor and nutritionist about this 'grazing' thing. And it has always been reccomended by the NIH, ntritionists, doctors and more... that eating 5-6 small meals a day is the healtiest way to eat. It keeps your sugar levels and it is not 'grazing'. Grazing is sitting your butt down on the couch with a bag of chips and dips, then fixing yourself some ice cream. You get the picture...

If eating the proper amount in 3 meals per day, you should not even be hungry to eat any more than that. If you are, then an adjustment is needed.

What does your doctor consider a small meal?