I read if you have a desk job (I do) then you only need a week off. If you have a more physical job, then 2-4 weeks might be necessary. I'm taking a week off (saved up my pto days).

I was back to work in a week more or less. I will say that the first 2-3 weeks I was REALLY tired and an afternoon nap was very helpful.

I took 3 weeks off and I was glad I did - the pain really disturbed my sleep for a couple of weeks and even in the third week I was still really fatigued, and spending all day trying to reach my fluid intake goal! I could have gone back after 2 weeks but I think it would have been really pushing it for me to go back after one.

I had a rough ride early on and can honestly say that I could not go back to a desk job till 8 weeks. However I am only one of a tiny percentage who dont do well for a while after surgery.

I had a desk job. I took three weeks off but could have gone back after two. I had very little pain with this surgery, and no other issues, but I was pretty tired for awhile (that actually lasted a month or more, but of course, it gets better and better every day). I suppose if I had to I could have gone back after one week, but I appreciated the time at home to sleep and also get used to the food progression. I would say two weeks is fine for most people who have desk jobs - but some may be able to swing it after one if they absolutely have to.

True, you could do a desk job after a week but a more physically demanding job would take several weeks because of the 10 lb weight lifting restriction and the bending over repeatedly.

I wanted to take off more but my boss wouldn't OK more than a week and my surgeon said I shouldn't need more than that, so I couldn't get anything from him saying I needed more time.

I had 6 months of sick time accrued, so I took 6 weeks. I really wanted to spend that time working on changing habits, forming new ones and walking. I really wanted to make sure I was cementing my 'new life' before I introduced another element into the change.

I didn't have any post op complications or issues. I know not everyone has the ability to take so much time off, but I found it really helpful for my emotional well being as well. I didn't know if I'd be super hormonal, in pain, or whatever and I thought healing mentally and physically and only focusing on ME would be beneficial, and it was.

1 hour ago, Future Sleeve Diva said:

I wanted to take off more but my boss wouldn't OK more than a week and my surgeon said I shouldn't need more than that, so I couldn't get anything from him saying I needed more time.

If you have been with your company for a year or more, I would check into FMLA. My boss is letting me have as much time as I need but to protect me from corporate is having me put in an FMLA case.

I think the difference also depends on your responsibilities at home. Do you have kids? Are you someone who can let your house go a little and rest while you are at home?? Do you have someone at home that is willing to pick up the slack and take care of you for a while? If you can go to work but then come home and literally just rest and take care of yourself the rest of the night you will probably be able to return to work sooner than someone who has alot of things they have to do at home as well.

My surgeon told me he wants me off for 10 days. I’m gonna try and get about 14 days off. I am a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse and work 12-14 hr shifts.

22 minutes ago, Jessica1024 said:

My surgeon told me he wants me off for 10 days. I’m gonna try and get about 14 days off. I am a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse and work 12-14 hr shifts.

Well, the surgeon didn't say "all in a row"

Good luck,

Tek

4 minutes ago, The Greater Fool said:

Well, the surgeon didn't say "all in a row"

Good luck,

Tek

Lol. I wish I could work it that way ! Hahahah.

I had some time built up at work from months ago. I am taking a full 2 weeks off and I have a desk job as well. Currently I still work from home for 3 weeks and 1 week in the office a month. I am having surgery and off for the the week in the office. So after the 2 weeks off, Ill have 2 weeks to work at home post op then 1 week in the office the final week of May (since there is 5 weeks). So by the next time I have to go in to work I will be post op 4 weeks. Hopefully that works well for me.

9 hours ago, summerseeker said:

I had a rough ride early on and can honestly say that I could not go back to a desk job till 8 weeks. However I am only one of a tiny percentage who dont do well for a while after surgery.

I was the same 8 to 9 weeks it was for me for the same reasons. I had a really rough time early on .

On 04/30/2022 at 12:16, canadianpopcycle said:

I had 6 months of sick time accrued, so I took 6 weeks. I really wanted to spend that time working on changing habits, forming new ones and walking. I really wanted to make sure I was cementing my 'new life' before I introduced another element into the change.

I didn't have any post op complications or issues. I know not everyone has the ability to take so much time off, but I found it really helpful for my emotional well being as well. I didn't know if I'd be super hormonal, in pain, or whatever and I thought healing mentally and physically and only focusing on ME would be beneficial, and it was.

I LOVE that you were able to do this! (I say this as someone who is trying to turn toward self care instead of food when problems arise.)