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How much time is needed post-op to return to work



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I was wondering how much time others have taken off following their surgery. Did the doctor want to give a release before you return to work?

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I took 3 1/2 weeks. After the first week the pain subsided quite a bit but I was very week, it took awhile to regain my strength. II needed a nap every day.

I have a desk job but a 40 minute car ride, so I didn't want to chance going back to soon. Besides, I had more then enough days.

Quite a few people I've talked to were able to return after a week. Ultimately, it depends on how quickly your body recovers.

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Oops, having a hard time editing on my iPad. I meant I was very "weak".

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I am not scheduled until November for surgery, however I plan on taking four weeks off. My surgeon will send the form that it is medically necessary, and I will be on FMLA and Short term disability. I hear that after about a week it is possible to return to work, however I want the extra time to adjust to eating differently and attend my post op appointments.

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I'm a pre op, but I'm taking a full six weeks, not only to heal, but to adjust to a whole new way of life. My doctor routinely provides a note for work about the medical need for leave, and my work will require another note from him upon my return, indicating that I've been medically cleared to return.

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I took 2 weeks in 2012 when I had my sleeve. I was ready to go back after a week in a half. With my revision to RNY and hernia repair, I plan on taking 4. I think this surgery may require a little more time for recuperation.

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My doctor wanted me to get my sleeve on Wednesday and return to work the following Monday. He's of the opinion that if you stay home you can get yourself into trouble. Two girls where I work returned to work that quickly, but they both appeared to struggle a bit in the first week so I'm taking a week off to recover.

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I am also scheduled in November. I plan to take 3 weeks off. Give or take a day or 2 if needed. I have plenty of time available and will also use FMLA. I want to make sure I am well adjusted and not sleepy or weak. Nothing is worse than trying to put on a happy face in front of customers when you dont feel well. Plus I have never taken any time off so my work is ok with me being gone.

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My friend went back to work after 9 days and she was as good as new. Zero issues.

I personally am also taking 3 weeks off.

My body has not dealt well with surgery in the past and I want to make sure I get adequate healing time.

I never thought about taking a few extra weeks off to get use to the new eating lifestyle.

That in its own is going to be a challenge especially going back to work where people heat up their delicious smelling lunches, office table is full of deserts and fruits brought in the ladies.

I have applied for short term disability for 3 weeks with the option to extend

Surgery is scheduled for September 10th..

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    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
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