So I had my sleeve on 7-22-15 and have really been having a hard time getting my energy levels back up. I have been walking, taking my vitamins, getting in my protein and fluids, but still just can't kick this exhaustion. Even going to the store for 30 minutes leaves me weak and shaky. Maybe I just need more time, but the problem is my surgeon doesn't think so.

They initially only gave me one week off, but I had to fight for two because I told them going back to work on clear liquid wasn't an option. Now I am just starting soft foods at two weeks, but feel like I still need more time to get back to feeling more normal. They are pretty much refusing to write me off for one more week, but I am going in tomorrow to meet with the surgeon. Has anyone else had this issue with being forced back to work before you were ready? I feel really stuck.

This is a big change for us and it's frustrating that these surgeons have a set time for when it's ok to do this or that. I'm lucky to have a stay-at-home job but I understand that everyone is different and I would hate to feel rushed. Hope you get your time off ????

Did you go out using FMLA? I hope so. This protects your job while needing to be out. Otherwise, it's really at their discretion if they allow more time or not.

I took 6 weeks off. I have very low tolerance for pain and do not bounce back easily after surgery

I did go out using fmla, but that only protects me while the doctor says I can be out. My employer is fine with me taking more time... the doctor is the one who wants me to go back. I don't really understand why he is pushing so hard for me to go back when I am telling him I'm not ready yet.

I would tell your doctor that you want your medical file documented that you are unable to return to work. Tell him that when he forces you to return to work, and you pass out and injure yourself, you want to make sure that your file is documented well for the lawsuit. Maybe that'll get his attention. You know yourself better than he does. I went back to work after 3 weeks, but I struggled. If he doesn't help you, maybe you can go to your primary care doctor for another medical certification. Good luck!

So I went and saw the doctor. He sent me to the urgent care for fluids... woops! He did give me an extra week though. He made it seem like he wasn't even told about me asking for more time and that he was going to talk to his office staff about them not doing that to future patients. I really like my surgeon, but his office staff... not so much.

Edited August 5, 201511 yr by Talieanne

My dr gave me 7 weeks without question. Actually, he asked me how long I needed. I told him what I did for a living and he said 7 weeks sound good?