Hi, I'm a newbie to this and haven't decided which surgery I will do but I would like to know realistically when you returned to work. I work at a very laid back job. I sit in a booth ( not a very small one) enough to stand up move around and stretch. I'm a cashier during graveyard which my shift is super duper slow. I'm trying to figure out how much time I would need away from work considering I don't work a strenuous job yet more relaxed. I know each surgery varies according to the information I researched already but I need y'all help please. What makes recovery most difficult when returning to work?

We both had plenty leave from our jobs, but we chose not to let them in on our surgeries, returned to work right away and planning to take a 2 week vacation when we hit our 50 lb loss!

Yes walking and moving after surgery makes a difference. I really had no pain-- my husband had some pain (but all controlled by meds) due to extra scar tissue in his abdomen. (He was a military police) . I had so many fears with reading the message board but I had a great experience. For me it was similar to the EGD went to sleep- woke up, we only recvd 3 small incisions (the biggest inside our bellie buttons- the other two are like tiny!

funny you should mention not telling your employer because I don't want to share that information either. Only because I work at a small company and when one person knows something they all know and that's not something I want. I'm gonna have to look into if I have to disclose that information. Because I only wanna share it with "need to know individuals"

Edited May 1, 201511 yr by ThruChristICan

I felt like you did and didn't tell my boss what type of surgery I was having. I just said I was having a medical procedure. He didn't ask more but if he would have, I had planned to kind of give a sad little face and say it was for "stomach stuff" which is true in a round about way. No person on earth wants to hear more about dreaded "Stomach stuff!" Best of luck to you on your journey

funny you should mention not telling your employer because I don't want to share that information either. Only because I work at a small company and when one person knows something they all know and that's not something I want. I'm gonna have to look into if I have to disclose that information. Because I only wanna share it with "need to know individuals"

you do NOT have to share that. Just put in for PTO or Vac time. Anyone ask where you going just say you don't know yet or its personal. Good luck with everything.

I felt like you did and didn't tell my boss what type of surgery I was having. I just said I was having a medical procedure. He didn't ask more but if he would have, I had planned to kind of give a sad little face and say it was for "stomach stuff" which is true in a round about way. No person on earth wants to hear more about dreaded "Stomach stuff!" Best of luck to you on your journey

and that's exactly what I plan to say too lol

Thanks everyone. i have been trying to figure this out myself. I don't plan on disclosing why I am need to be off specifically. Only that I am having a medical procedure and need time off. I was told that 2-weeks would be plenty. Although I have close to 2-months sick time saved up, I want to be active so staying at home for 4-weeks seems alot for me. I also have a job where I sit for hours. I am extremely busy but it requires me working the desk and computer. I do get up, move around. Hour for lunch. I walk from where I park to work and back so that is great exercise. I am afraid if I stay home, I will get into a slump not moving around. My surgeon said based on what I do, 2-weeks would be fine. My General Medicine Doc says 4-weeks.

Not sure just don't want to be lazy. I will have FMLA so if I run into complications, I will take more time. I just hate sitting/laying around.

We will see though. I am super duper excited!!!

I agree 4 weeks would be too much for me as well considering my job I sit during the whole shift but I'm gonna initially say 4 weeks my jobs time off paper work says I can come back early if I wish as long as I give a days notice. So if I'm ok after a couple of weeks then I'll return. Im absolutely not disclosing what I'm having done. It's none of there business lol

Yes I agree say 4-weeks and if you don't need it you can return but at least you will have that option, I firmly feel that I won't disclose. It's no one's business feel the same as you@ThruChristICan.

I am planning on taking off from the 6th thru the 18th. I would rather not share my info either. I had to ask for FMLA paperwork, just in case, and that stirred the pot. I said elective surgery on the 6th, moving and family visiting from Las Vegas, was the reason why I was staying out until the 18th. all true except for moving. not sure if that's going to happen. currently living in a RV while my modular finishes completion. ready to get on the other side-

I forgot to add that I do have the vac time but the doctors office asked for FMLA paperwork, just in case. that's something I didn't want to do is let job know about the surgery. I have a little more than two weeks leave.

I hear a lot about FMLA not sure what it's all about tho I have to find out

Actually I do know what FMLA is lol I thought you were talking about something else silly me

@@jane13 i felt the same about the FMLA but my PCP gave a good point it for my own protection even after the surgery. I don't anticipate problems but you never know.

Also, good luck your big day is almost here, Congrats!!!

I guess I am in a lucky situation. I have the ability to work from home, and even got permission from my boss to do so. Before I have surgery, I will either have a loaner laptop or someone from my IT department will place a PC in my house. I am hoping to only be out between 1-2 weeks, because I will get crazy being at home.