I'm still in the research stage, and I couldn't find this answer. How long after your surgery were you back at work? I know different people have different recovery rates , so just a general idea is all I need as I have to work ya know. LOL

I was banded on Wed, Dec. 5. I went back to work on Monday, Dec 10. I am still on light duty, for another couple days. I am an electronic engineer tho, not a very physically demanding job. But I had no problems going back that next Monday.

I have an office job. I was banded on a Monday and took the whole week off, was back the following Monday. I probably could have gone back sooner, but I ended up pulling a muscle from not taking pain meds and straining in funny positions.. so I was in more pain than normal.

I was banded on a Tuesday and back to work on Monday.

I was banded on Monday and went back 10 days later. I could have used another two days, as I was exhausted, but I was okay.

I took one day shy of three weeks (I have a great employer!) but in all reality, I could've gone back after two.

At five days, I was just getting my staples out--so it may depend on what your surgeon uses to close the incisions. Steri Strips would be easier on you, I would think...

Your age may make you bounce back faster too!

I had surgery on 12-11-07 It was tuesday. I went back to work on thursday for a half day and then today all day. I feel good. I am still sore but I own my ownbusiness so i have employees to do all my bitch work.

I've been wondering too about this. I run a small daycare in my home. I'm trying to decide when to have the surgery and trying to figure out how long I'll need to shut the daycare down for. My husband will be home to help me out and can help with the children, but I'm unsure of how long I'll need. My surgeon said it was 1-2 weeks of recovery. Well, that's a big difference to me, is it one or two? He also said I shouldn't lift more than 20 lbs, (my own baby weighs more than that) but I forgot to ask for how long. I have two babies and a toddler and a preschooler home all day with me. Anyone have any input for me?

I had my surgery on a Thursaday and I was back to work on Monday with no problems (desk job). I had mine done in Mexico so I stayed there Thursday, Friday and came home Saturday morning. I was able to pick up y 1 year old that day ( I don't recommend doing that) I am just stating that I was able to do it. As far as caring for children, I would say at least 2 weeks. I am now 8 days post op and by the end of the day, I am sore from chasing around a 1 and 4 year old, then when it comes to bath time and bed time, I am DONE! My recovery has been a breeze though, no problems at all. Also, no stitches or staples, just glue.

ShinyHappy, when I went back to work after three weeks, the doctor said I still couldn't lift more than 10# for another two weeks.

As many have said on these threads, although the incisions may seem to be healing well, there are many abdominal muscles that require a long time for healing.

Maybe bring on someone else for the first six weeks to help out?

Yikes! If I had to shut down for 6 weeks I wouldn't be able to have the surgery until summer and I really don't want to wait that long. Of the three daycare kids, I really only have to lift one of them and she's about 16 pounds. The killer will be my own baby who is 21 lbs 9 oz. I'll have to lift him eventually whether I'm doing daycare or not, though. I'm thinking dh will be home for a week of my recovery. I can't really see asking him to get more than that off.

I guess I will email my surgeon and ask him directly what time he would suggest I take off. I think two weeks is reasonable, anything other than that I couldn't see doing to my daycare families.