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

How long did you wait before going back to work



Recommended Posts

I have a desk job and I work from home. I took 3 weeks off, but I wish I would have taken longer. I had (still have) quite a bit of diaphragm pain and discomfort. It was a couple of months before I could comfortably sit up straight for any length of time.

But, I'm diabetic and a slow healer. All the nerves and muscles are just taking their sweet time to heal. I also have a small hiatal hernia that they didn't see during my EGD or surgery - so this seems to be a new development. I think that may be causing my pain, but I'm not sure.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had a desk job (retired now) and took three weeks off. If necessary, I could have gone back after two - but I appreciated that third week to sleep and get used to the food progression.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 01/25/2023 at 08:35, catwoman7 said:



I had a desk job (retired now) and took three weeks off. If necessary, I could have gone back after two - but I appreciated that third week to sleep and get used to the food progression.


Any thoughts on going back part time to start? Were you able to check in on email and stay in touch prior to officially coming back

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I work from home, surgery was Tuesday and I was back to work on Monday. Didn't really have much discomfort but was getting up every 30 min to walk to the farthest bathroom in my house or downstairs just to get moving, had the medicine cups lined up with Water to keep the fluids coming. I didn't feel tired but I was not taking any pain killers after that Saturday so that could have been why. I did make sure to work 6 hours a day or take small breaks during the day just in case.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For my VSG surgery, I was recommended by my surgeon and dietician to take off at least 6-8 weeks minimum to get through all the stages of my post-op diet first. This is moreso for the "mental" aspect of it and to get used to sipping Water throughout the day and not get dehydrated, etc. I had (and still have) an office job where I sit most of the day and do not lift. When I got a second surgery due to GERD (rny w/ hiatal hernia repair), I only took off about a week and a half. This is because I was already used to this way of eating and drinking prior, and my surgeon felt I was ready to return. At the end of the day, do whatever makes YOU feel most comfortable, and of course always discuss with your surgical team. If you feel you need more time, request it and take care of yourself.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I decided against telling anyone in my life other than my partner (for now). I have no energy for questions on my decision and journey and will decide later if I want to be open about it or not. My surgeon gave me a medical certificate that was general for work purposes.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I started a new contract 4 weeks after my surgery. I did struggle a bit because my BP was so low - had times I was very doughy in the head & would lose vision at times. (Always had a tendency to this so…) I had a long history working in this department & they were very understanding. They knew I had a surgery & was recovering so let me negotiate my hours a bit. Funny thing was my boss presumed I’d had a ‘female’ surgery & I didn’t say I didn’t. Some noticed the weight loss ((last worked there five months previously) but they linked it to the surgery too & me trying to be healthier. All very easy actually.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I split my work time between home and the office. I thought I’d be good to return a week after surgery but I took an additional day starting back full time 8 days after sleeve surgery without issue.

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

    • jparadigm

      Happy Wednesday!
       
      I hope everyone is having a lovely week so far! 
      It's been a bit of a struggle this last week...I'm hungry ALL the time.
      · 1 reply
      1. BlondePatriotInCDA

        Have a great Wednesday too! Sorry you're hungry all the time, I'm pretty much the same..and I'm sick of eating the same food all the time.

    • ChunkCat

      Well, tomorrow I go in for an impromptu hiatal hernia repair after ending up in the ER over the weekend because I couldn't get food down and water was moving at a trickle... I've been having these symptoms on and off for a few weeks but Sunday was the worst by far and came with chest pain and trouble breathing. The ER PA thinks it is just esophagitis and that the surgeon and radiologist are wrong. But the bariatric surgeon swears it is a hernia, possibly a sliding one based on my symptoms. So he fit me into his schedule this week to repair it! I hope he's right and this sorts it out. He's going to do a scope afterwards to be sure there is nothing wrong with the esophagus. Here's hoping it all goes well!!
      · 2 replies
      1. AmberFL

        omgsh!! Hope all goes well!! Keeping you in my thoughts!

      2. gracesmommy2

        Hope you’re doing well!

    • jparadigm

      Hello lovlies!
      Today is a beautiful day in west Michigan! I hope you all have a beautiful Tuesday and rest of your week!! 🤗
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Having gall bladder surgery in a few days and I so hope the recovery is easier than the one from the modified DS! I could use a bit of luck/pep talk for a change. I'm starting to be able to walk around without experiencing dizziness, but it would be great if the random pain in my chest and abdomen would go away!!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Dawn 1974

      4/4/2024 - new patient orientation. Wt 313
      4/5/2024 - got all my lab work done.
      · 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

    ×