Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

How fast can you return to work ?



Recommended Posts

Hello! I am getting the gastric sleeve and need to give my work some sort of idea. Ideally, I would like to return ASAP. I work in fashion apparel and sit at a desk 24/7 with travel at different times of the year. I can schedule my surgery to be far away from traveling. But how long did it take for most of you to return ?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I took 6 weeks off from work (STD at 100% pay). You'll get a variety of responses to your question. Some people went back within a week; others took as much time as me. I'd say the average is probably 2-4 weeks. Fatigue was a real issue for me right up until I went back to work. Speaking for me, I could not have gone back in less than 2 weeks. But that's me.

My advice is to take as much time as your personal, professional, and financial situations will allow. Remember that it is not only about healing, it is also about getting yourself off on the right foot with regard to your Protein and Water intake and your progression through the food stages.

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For desk jobs it is usually about two weeks. Some people go back sooner and are fine. Some people go back later and regret going back that early. For me, I went back at 15 days post-op and my biggest problem was fatigue. I was SO TIRED by the end of the work day that I would go straight to bed after dinner. I think it depends some on your food stages as well. Those who are allowed to advance through the food stages more quickly are able to get more calories in and won't be as tired. Check with your program to see what your post-op food stages are. If you are back on at least purees or soft foods by the time you return to work, it will be easier than if you are still on liquids.< /p>

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my surgery on a Tuesday and was back in the office on the following Monday. I worked a couple of half days that week. I think 2 weeks is the average though. Don't push it--you'll be tired anyway.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had surgery on a Friday and was back the following Thursday. I have a desk job so it was pretty easy. I was tired but took a nap in my car during lunch!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

my work basically wont let me take off two weeks until September. Which is really frustrating. is that illegal ?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

my work basically wont let me take off two weeks until September. Which is really frustrating. is that illegal ?

Are you entitled to FMLA benefits?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

don't think so. I mean I was very successful with my pre weight loss, lost about 30 pounds and i'm just afraid that I will loose momentum for surgery or become to small to qualify.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am taking 8 weeks. I an an art teacher that travels to 24 classrooms a week pushing a cart. Stressful....I have the days and my internist who approved my surgery will give me as long as I need. I have 10 weeks of sick pay left. My surgeon on the other hand said he wouldn't give 6 weeks to a construction worker. He gave me 6 but I bypassed him by my internist. I told him teaching and traveling is very hard. Plus kids run in the hall and I don't need someone running into me. This has happened before and my cart has hit a rough patch and fell over hitting me in my leg. I will go back for the last 9 weeks then retire. I'm done!!!

????sonkat5355????

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Im taking 6 weeks off as,per my surgeon and that is on short term disability with 100% pay. I'm fortunate at that plus my bosses are very supportive and want me to rest and heal properly. I'm also having the sleeve. My surgery is on Jan 30th

Sent from my SM-J700T using the BariatricPal App

Edited by msjessy323

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a desk job too, took two weeks off and was quite ready to return to work when I did.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had bypass I own and run my own daycare and went back to work after three days. And no complications. Dr said if I felt up to it I was fine just to watch when and if I lift.

HW 289 CW 230 bypass 11/22/16

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • BeanitoDiego

      I changed my profile image to a molecule of protein. Why? Because I am certain that it saved my life.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • eclarke

      Two years out. Lost 120 , regained 5 lbs. Recently has a bout of Norovirus, lost 7 pounds in two days. Now my stomach feels like it did right after my surgery. Sore, sensitive to even water.  Anyone out there have a similar experience?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Eve411

      April Surgery
      Am I the only struggling to get weight down. I started with weight of 297 and now im 280 but seem to not lose more weight. My nutrtionist told me not to worry about the pounds because I might still be losing inches. However, I do not really see much of a difference is this happen to any of you, if so any tips?
      Thanks
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Well recovering from gallbladder removal was a lot like recovering from the modified duodenal switch surgery, twice in 4 months yay 🥳😭. I'm having to battle cravings for everything i shouldn't have, on top of trying to figure out what happens after i eat something. Sigh, let me fast forward a couple of months when everyday isn't a constant battle and i can function like a normal person again! 😞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • KeeWee

      It's been 10 long years! Here is my VSG weight loss surgiversary update..
      https://www.ae1bmerchme.com/post/10-year-surgiversary-update-for-2024 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×