Hello, I am hoping some of you can help me get an understanding about recovery time. I originally had my Lap band surgery in sept 2010. I have had great success although I have worked very hard to make it a success. I exercise regularly and had constant fill and unfill when needed. Long story short I went to the Dr yesterday because It was feeling right and he said it has to come out. Prolapse for the 2nd time. He is recommending a sleeve conversion. I am all for the this however, Due to a recent family illness involving my son, I exhausted most of my sick/vacation time. I cannot afford to go out for much more than 2-3 weeks. Is it possible to return to work that soon. I have a job which requires short periods of walking and standing. I do get plenty of opportunities to sit at my desk for extended periods of time. My Dr. says I will be out 4-6 weeks. I know we need to follow Dr's orders but I also need to support my family. Thanks for taking time to respond...

How long can you wait to have the surgery? If you can wait about a month, I'd suggest signing up for Short Term Disability through a company like AFLAC and then taking FMLA time. The FMLA is unpaid time off, but with the SHort Term Disability you can at least get paid a portion of your salary while you're out.

I had surgery last Monday and was at the mall on Wednesday and back to work Thursday. Now this is just me and I know everyone is different. I did everything the doctor said to do. I walk a lot, every two hours. I stretched, coughed, turned, and breathed to get rid of the gas pain. I set up my 64oz of liquid including 16 oz of Isopure every morning so I know what I have to finish by day end. And, although I could drink plain Water all day because I like it I add in a hot tea into my 64oz to mix it up. But, what I really attribute my short "recovery" too is my mental outlook on it. I didn't want to be laid up for weeks, my family needed me and I needed our routine to get better. The thought of being out of commission worried me more than the actual surgery. I went into my surgery with the attitude that I was only staying one night and only taking off three days from work and I did just that. I won't lie I am tired earlier in the evening than before and it is taking me longer to walk a mile then it used to but I'm doing it. Do what feels best for you, none of us know your body or your tolerances and don't forget your mind game it could be your strongest tool going into your procedure. Good luck!

My friend went in the hospital on a Thursday and Friday afternoon home. Went back to work on Monday

I have an office job with periods of walking, lifting, standing, etc. I was back to work in 3 days. I had the surgery on Monday afternoon and was back to work on Friday. I never took any of the pain meds. My husband has a desk job and was back to work in 2 days...well, he worked from home the first day and then was back to work.

I was back at work 7 days post op. I was tired when I got home, but it was totally doable for me.

I went back the 8th day

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I made sure I didn't pick anything up and was sitting a lot and moved a lot but no lifting

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I returned to work after two weeks off. I have a desk job.

I had a very physical job when I had my sleeve...I am a (don't laugh) Pastry Chef. I went back to work after one week after surgery, felt great! I agree, just no heavy lifting. I had my helpers help me with bags of flour and sugar (50 lb bags) and lifting the 60 quart bowls, but I was able to stay on my feet with no problem and didn't have any pain. Just watch your limitations and ask your boss if you can have modified days, where you work shorter hours or the same hours with longer breaks so you can rest. You will feel really tired at the end of the day so make sure you get plenty of Water and rest.

I have a desk job. I had my surgery on a Thursday. Went back to work the following Monday. Zero complications other than feeling a little tired. That's it.

My doctor said its how the person is feeling. She hopes to have me back to work at two weeks out. But you will qualify for short term disability after two weeks I believe.

@@NYdad,

There are no guarantees, but two weeks should be enough for most sleeve patients if all goes well and you’re just returning to a desk job.

I don’t know if your stats are current, but it says you weigh 201 lbs. If that’s true, it’s possible you may recover faster than some patients because your BMI is pretty low. The other things you can do to speed recovery are to follow all the pre-op and post-op instructions, like taking a Multivitamin and getting plenty of Fluid, and maybe to exercise before surgery so you are in better shape by the time you get surgery.

If you’re lucky, maybe some of your coworkers or your boss will be understanding and let you take it easy for a week when you get back.

Good luck!

Thanks for the responses, my current weight is 230. 201 pounds was my best weight. Thanks again

Hello, I am hoping some of you can help me get an understanding about recovery time. I originally had my Lap band surgery in sept 2010. I have had great success although I have worked very hard to make it a success. I exercise regularly and had constant fill and unfill when needed. Long story short I went to the Dr yesterday because It was feeling right and he said it has to come out. Prolapse for the 2nd time. He is recommending a sleeve conversion. I am all for the this however, Due to a recent family illness involving my son, I exhausted most of my sick/vacation time. I cannot afford to go out for much more than 2-3 weeks. Is it possible to return to work that soon. I have a job which requires short periods of walking and standing. I do get plenty of opportunities to sit at my desk for extended periods of time. My Dr. says I will be out 4-6 weeks. I know we need to follow Dr's orders but I also need to support my family. Thanks for taking time to respond...

My doc wanted me to go back after 2 weeks & honestly I probably could have. I took 4 weeks as I have amazing disability insurance & get full pay.

Good luck with your surgery.

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And a big thank you Alex for a personal response from the founder of this great support group!