I'm going to have an ESG on Wednesday, 3/15. I'm taking off three days but hope to be able to work from home the following week and then go on a business trip, two weeks after the surgery. Am I being unrealistic about my expectations to return to work and travel?

I'm similar to you (surgery scheduled for 3/13) and around the same weight, though my BMI is higher because I'm 5'3". As a person who has worked in tech and traveled for many years, I do wonder if you're pushing it a little bit. When I had a hysterectomy (after two c-sections), I took 4 days off and went back to work the following week from home. I was so committed to my job that I didn't even consider the fact that I could have taken 6 weeks off through short term disability. I truly thought it would be easy. I mean, after each c-section, I was up taking care of the baby and my kids immediately. This laparoscopic hysterectomy seemed like a drop in the bucket, but I was wrong. My body and mind tired really fast. I felt like I constantly needed to take a nap. The work I produced was subpar and I wasn't able to contribute to meetings or brainstorming sessions properly.

With this VSG surgery, I know I'll need to drink only liquids for the first 10 days... that's going to seriously zap my mental energy, all while trying to heal internally. Apart from the physical aspect, there's the emotional one to consider. This is a whole new way of life that I am committed to giving myself time to adjust to. If I just get right back up and go to work, I will be distracting myself from what I need to deal with today vs. tomorrow. These are just my thoughts of course. Only you can know yourself best. Plus, your work situation might be very different from mine. Just hope these thoughts can help give you a different perspective. Good luck with your upcoming surgery!! Wishing you a very fast, easy recovery!

I had my surgery on Friday- and took a 4 hour flight home on sunday. I took off Monday and returned to work today. I am in a very relaxed hybrid work situation with minimal oversight— and make my own schedule. I dont know that id want to be sitting in work meeting/traveling two weeks out, but working in my environment is fine. I did take off two weeks for laproscopic hysterectomy in November 2022, and just dont see the need for that kind of time off right now. I will say- if i was in a more demanding situation i would make a different decision, because drinking fluids right now is a serious full time job and you HAVE to focus on that for your health.

Thank you, you’re absolutely right

Thank you for the advice

I had ESG in 2020. You should be fine two weeks out. You will notice fatigue due to your decreased calorie intake so plan for that. Also, meals maybe a bit of a challenge depending on your food restrictions but doable.