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Is returning to work after 5 days reasonable?

I'm seriously considering only taking 5 days off of work to avoid filling FMLA. Three days off and two days working from home actually. I have a desk job. I personally think the sooner I can get back into the swing of things the better it will be for me but I've never had this surgery before. I've heard a a variety of stories and would love to hear from some of you. Thank you.

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  • Christinamo7
    Christinamo7

    here's the deal. I took one week off because I have a desk job. it was fine. I had NO COMPLICATIONS. what if you do? I would fill out the FMLA so you are covered. my doctor approved 4 weeks o

  • Every experience is different. I couldn't have gone back in 5 days. I went back after 2 weeks & was SUPER exhausted even at that point.

  • That is pushing it, but everyone is different. I am a substitute clerk at a high school, so I have a desk job too. It was 9 days post op and that was pushing it, but it can be done. I have read tha

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That is pushing it, but everyone is different. I am a substitute clerk at a high school, so I have a desk job too. It was 9 days post op and that was pushing it, but it can be done. I have read that some people go back 3-4 days post op and are okay. Don't expect much of yourself when you get home for a few weeks, just working during the day will wear you out because those first few weeks post op, you are consuming so few calories, you're exhausted.

It wouldn't have been in my case. I was readmitted to the hospital and was still there 5 days postop. I took four weeks off and I needed every bit of them and yes, I have a desk job.

Will you be sent home on full liquids? Will you be able to get them in at work?

  • Author

It wouldn't have been in my case. I was readmitted to the hospital and was still there 5 days postop. I took four weeks off and I needed every bit of them and yes, I have a desk job.

Will you be sent home on full liquids? Will you be able to get them in at work?

Clear Liquids for three days and then full liquids starting on day 4 I believe

Sent from my SM-G928T using the BariatricPal App

here's the deal.

I took one week off because I have a desk job. it was fine. I had NO COMPLICATIONS. what if you do?

I would fill out the FMLA so you are covered. my doctor approved 4 weeks off. ok, lets plan for the worst and hope for the best. when I did fine they released me to come back to work.

Should you have any problems at all you will be glad you have the FMLA paperwork done and it will protect your job.

I had surgery Wednesday 3/16/16 went back to work Tuesday 3/22/16 and I was fine. A bit uncomfortable but manageable. I have a desk job. But thankfully I didn't have any complications.

Every experience is different. I couldn't have gone back in 5 days. I went back after 2 weeks & was SUPER exhausted even at that point.

Alot of places require a Drs note if out for more than 3-5 days. Be sure your Surgeon will release you that soon. I agree with @@Christinamo7 filling out FMLA paperwork is a good idea (if you're eligible). I would be very careful going back too soon.

I was planning to go in eight days later and I am so glad I did not. There is no way I could have done it. I took two weeks, though, and the doctor said that that was even not what people usually do. I had to fill out FMLA papers because they said anything more than three days is an FMLA situation.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I work from home full time....I originally planned on just taking 3 days off.....That's still my plan....sort of....But I decided to schedule the whole week off....surgery will be on a Monday.....so I'll schedule the whole week off but told my manager I may cancel some of the time if I don't need all of it. He will also be fine if something should happen that causes me to need more time.

So I think the bottom line is you don't really know.....but probably best to plan for a little more than you think you'll need just in case.

  • Author

I'm 9 days post op and going back to work tomorrow ! A little nervous but I'm going to try it I had no complications no pain and I can drink 3 shakes a day and lots of liquid will see wish me luck :)

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You got this!

Sent from my SM-G928T using the BariatricPal App

I work from home full time....I originally planned on just taking 3 days off.....That's still my plan....sort of....But I decided to schedule the whole week off....surgery will be on a Monday.....so I'll schedule the whole week off but told my manager I may cancel some of the time if I don't need all of it. He will also be fine if something should happen that causes me to need more time.

So I think the bottom line is you don't really know.....but probably best to plan for a little more than you think you'll need just in case.

If you don't mind me asking, what do you do for a living that let's you work at home? I've searches for so. Long for a good work from home job and have never found one. Congrats on your surgery

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using the BariatricPal App

My surgery was on 4/1. I originally took a week off but midway through that week I started feeling very anxious about going back to work.

I stressed about what I would wear that didn't irritate my incisions and how I would have the energy to focus on work stuff.

I also felt like getting down my liquids and Protein was a full time job and I was stressed.

I ended up taking an extra week (this week) and I am feeling stronger and better each day.

Long story long, I COULD have done it but emotionally I was not prepared. Good luck!

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