I am a wound care nurse and work in home health. So my job involves a lot of bending and stooping and jumping in and out of my car but luckily not much heavy lifting. The problem is I am 1099 so I dont get paid time off out vacation. I could probably take 2 weeks off before I start to panic. I have money in savings but hate touching it. How much time did you guys need to take off?

I was walking on the treadmill the day I came home from the hospital and returned to work the one week later! I couldn't lift over 25 lbs for 4 weeks though! Bending and stooping wasn't a problem at all!

Wow a week?? That makes me feel much better. I was thinking I would be out at least 3 weeks. Could to have gone back sooner then a week?

I'm hoping for 2 weeks. But I'm new here. Haven't even been approved yet. But I'm hopeful.

I think two weeks is more realistic. I say this for a very specific reason. Besides the fact that you run out of steam quickly (exhausted all the time) early on, it is crucial to get your 48 to 64 oz of fluids and it's hard to drink enough at home as is, imagine while at work. But some of us have more energy then others. However, there is no way I could have worked at the one week mark.

I would say two weeks is enough but everyone is different. I've had a lot of pain with my surgery and I'm one week out, and doing much better. The hard thing is the energy level. It really depends on you due to how much food and water you can tolerate right off. Everyone is different. Best wishes

I had surgery on Tuesday and went back to work on Monday. I do have an office job tho but I felt great!

I have a desk job and went back after 3 weeks. Besides the pain easing with time you need to take into account being comfortable after eating, and drinking. Also fatigue is pretty rough especially in the beginning.

It seems the general consensus is at least a week? I'm due to be banded in January and trying to decide how long to take off. I do have a really relaxed office job , not a lot of moving or lifting. Is the week just to be safe or did people feel like they needed the full week?

You will want the whole week, maybe more. Take as much time off as you can afford

Basically, I think what people need to realize is yes, there is a chance you may pop right up and be okay and go to the mall Christmas shopping the best day. Ha. Maybe a few people.

But think about it. I have seven incisions an inch long in my abdomen. One was in my diaphragm ouch. And have you ever done a low calorie diet or juice fast? This is more akin to a Water fast. No food. Basically a few ounces of food. Getting used to that is enough to want to be at home.

Put those two together, with driving restrictions if your in pain mess, and sheer exhaustion from having major surgery.

Definitely take a week, two if you can swing in. I'm on day 8 and just have enough energy to put around the house.

My incisions. Sorry I have 5 of them.

My leg from the heparin shots. You come out pretty worn and torn.

I'm not saying the surgery is horrendous and unthinkable. I'm just saying be realistic about what your getting in too. Take a week at the minimum. So you don't use it? Fine. Take the week to get your head around all the changes in your routine and life.

Also a lot of people on here say they only spent one night in hospital with gastric bypass. My best friend and I both had the surgery. She spent four days and I spent three.

I just have to wonder with all the advertising I see for Mexican doctors on here how many members of this community are actually marketing positive experiences for this business.

The surgery is fine but it's surgery!

Although with the band I have heard its a much much less intensive recovery and I am sure that is true.

Thanks everyone for your input !

I'm an ER nurse and I only took 2 weeks off. Everyone heals different and every pouch tolerates things differently.

I took a month off, I lift carry and move a lot of weight, your insides need to heal ! Collect disability and let yourself heal