I am scheduled for a gastric sleeve in 3 days. I have the luxury of working from home, but was planning to take a week off after my procedure, and work from home for a week before attempting to go back into the office. I have a sedentary job, but a really nice walking path available to me at the office (along with my walking pals who I can meet up with on my breaks and lunch).

I have heard a myriad of responses to this among my friends who have had this procedure, but was hoping that medicine has evolved since then, and I'm curious. For anyone who has had their surgery in the last two years - How long after surgery were you able to return to work?

I took three weeks off but could have gone back in two. Other than being tired, I was fine. I have known people who have gone back after a week - although two seems pretty standard.

P.S. my surgery was awhile ago - and it was bypass, not sleeve - but I don't know that that makes much difference as far as recovery goes.

Edited February 18, 20233 yr by catwoman7

I had surgery at the end of November and I took two weeks off and I definitely needed the two weeks, although I don’t have the option to work from home. My first week back to work I was exhausted by the time I got home but I still felt ready to be back at work.

I work from home, had surgery 11/22/2022 on Tuesday and was working on Monday 11/28/2022. My worst day were Friday and Saturday prior to starting to work, by Monday I wasn't taking any pain killers, and was doing decently with my liquids which I prioritize the first week and then moved to prioritizing protein.

I personally didn't feel tired but was ready to take breaks if needed and to do 6hrs instead of the usual 8-10. I lined up the medicine cups to have 1oz of water every 15 minutes and got up every hour to walk to the bathroom even if I didn't need to go just to get moving.

It all depends on you. I took two days off. I was fine. I also know people I work with who took weeks off.

I had a different surgery - mini gastric bypass in Egypt. I stayed in the hospital for two days and rested in my hotel for a week. After 1 week the doctor said it was OK for me to fly back to Kuala Lumpur (long trip with 1 stop). Flight was fine and I have requested assistance with my luggage which was provided by the airlines. I had to quarantine for a week at home before going back to work. So in total it took me about three weeks or so. By then, I was eating semi-solid food and wasn't feeling very restricted by the surgery. I continued to wear the compression abdominal compression garment that I was given in the hospital for three months and there were no major issues.

I also have a desk job and walking around the office helped me a lot. Good luck

I have a very physical job working in a remote underground mine, took 8 weeks for me to return to work and still feel really bagged out by the end of a 12hr shift.

We all heal & recovery differently & in our own time. Two friends & I had our surgeries within 2 years of each other. One took a week & was define. One took three weeks. Me I needed every one of my four weeks but I always recover slowly. And yes we all had office jobs.

Best advice is to speak to your boss & negotiate some flexibility just in case you need it: another week off, reduced hours, etc. Lethargy & poor concentration are very common after surgery & may impact your work.

All the best with your surgery & recovery.

I just had my surgery on the 13th and I go back to work on Monday. A week was fine...

I had a rough time. I had diarrhoea, nausea and swelling on my internal stitches. I stayed in the hospital 6 days. I was quite ill for a month. If I worked, it may have taken me 2 months to go back. While I have been on this site there have not been many who took so long to recover but it does happen. My age and disabilities didn't help.

I had sleeve surgery and went back to work after 2 weeks. I work in a school and am on my feet for most of the day... I didn't have any problems.

Also a sleeve and also ended up taking 2 whole weeks off. And even after that I was really really tired at the end of a working day (sedentary job) so honestly it took me 3 weeks to get back to my baseline. I echo what the others have said about arranging some flexibility in advance if you can at all. Best of luck with your surgery. It's absolutely life changing.

You will love it after you get over the initial pain and stuff.