How long did everyone take off from work or plan to take off from work?

I'm taking 5 weeks (going through Thanksgiving weekend). I'm 6 days post-op and in no way ready to return tomorrow. I am a slow healer and my incision on my left side is stitched. It's about an inch long with 4 stitches. I need at least another week to feel better mentally. Physically may take a third week. I've got the time, so I'm taking it.

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At least two weeks is optimal. I planned for four weeks, but had to return to work earlier.

I took three weeks but could have gone back after two if I needed to. I was pretty tired for the first month or so, though..

I had sleeve in May 2014 and I took off two weeks. Should have gone back part days, it really wore me out. Tomorrow is conversion to RNY and I took off four weeks with the understanding I might come in for a few hours here and there after week two.

I’m in a difficult situation. My surgery is November 15. I am co-owner of a business that is very close to my home. It will be very hard for me to be away more than a week. Most of my time is at a desk and walking around (we own a Massage & Spa business and have 13 employees). I can modify my surroundings to the way I need them. Has anyone gone back to work after one week - with the exception that they could take it as easy as needed? Is the main symptom after surgery tiredness? Or is the abdomen really sore? Also, my dietitian told me part of the reason for the long time away from work is to get ready for the new lifestyle. Did you find that to be true?

I am three weeks out from Bypass. I planned to go back to work (sitting job) after a week. I am pretty strong willed and went back to work one week after rotator cuff surgery (which is horrible by the way and I should not have) but I ended up taking another four days off work. You are so sore and get no sleep, because I had to sleep in a recliner for two weeks and you are up and down all night, can't get comfortable because of the soreness. There was no way for me to go back after a week like I thought I could. But you may be able to, I guess just depends on the individual. Good luck.

My clinic recommends 4 weeks, in order to regain strength, and to help to 'dump' at home ! My family Dr had RNY 2 years ago, and went back to work after 4 weeks. He said it was too soon, and wants me to take at least 6 weeks, with a possible extension to 8 weeks.

I’m a teacher and went back at 1 1/2 weeks post op because that’s when school started for the year. It was fine. No problems.

I took a week off initially. I had surgery on Tuesday 9/12 and tried to go back on the following Wednesday. Big mistake. I lasted three hours and went home for the rest of the week. I was exhausted! Take your time! Heal!


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I’m a teacher and went back at 1 1/2 weeks post op because that’s when school started for the year. It was fine. No problems.

I too, am a physical education teacher and am schedule for my surgery December 18th in hopes to taking advantage of my 2 week off Christmas break. I sure hope it is enough time to heal up within the 2 weeks off. I'm hopeful.

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I’m in a difficult situation. My surgery is November 15. I am co-owner of a business that is very close to my home. It will be very hard for me to be away more than a week. Most of my time is at a desk and walking around (we own a Massage & Spa business and have 13 employees). I can modify my surroundings to the way I need them. Has anyone gone back to work after one week - with the exception that they could take it as easy as needed? Is the main symptom after surgery tiredness? Or is the abdomen really sore? Also, my dietitian told me part of the reason for the long time away from work is to get ready for the new lifestyle. Did you find that to be true?

My abdomen was very sore the first week. By the second week it started to feel better. You do get tired easily. I am 2.5 weeks post op and slowly getting back into running errands. I still struggle grocery shopping and driving all over Houston while chasing a 2 year old. By 4pm I'm exhausted and get straight into bed. My incision sites are still very tender but it's all part of the healing process and healing takes time. On the weekends I stay in bed and rest. Just make sure you listen to your body. It will tell you ok I've had enough and signal you to get straight into bed and rest. Have a healthy recovery!

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I'm hoping to take 3 1/2 weeks off. It's really the max I can do, since I'm also trying to get tuition reimbursement for my job when I get back! I hope it will be enough.

I am three weeks out from Bypass. I planned to go back to work (sitting job) after a week. I am pretty strong willed and went back to work one week after rotator cuff surgery (which is horrible by the way and I should not have) but I ended up taking another four days off work. You are so sore and get no sleep, because I had to sleep in a recliner for two weeks and you are up and down all night, can't get comfortable because of the soreness. There was no way for me to go back after a week like I thought I could. But you may be able to, I guess just depends on the individual. Good luck.

I was sleeved in July on a Friday and was back to my desk job on the Monday. I ended up taking 2 days off later in the week because I had a terrible cold. That ran into the weekend following so I had 4 days at home which I needed because I was weak from the low oral intake of full liquids only. In hindsight, I should have taken a week off minimum.