How long did you take off from work? I have my pre-op appt with Surgeon next week and am curious how long you gave yourself to go back. I work remote so won't be too taxed.

Thanks!

I am three weeks post-op and I took five days off. I wish I had taken seven or eight days instead. Day six was the most difficult for me (I think I swallowed air) and I could have used a few more days of rest after being off pain medication.

I had surgery Tuesday and was back to work the following Monday. I work from home at a desk job, so physical exertion wasn't an issue. What I wasn't really prepared for was how tired I was. That first week back I had to take a nap every single day. If you can, make sure you just pad in time for breaks/rest.

I had bypass, but recovery time is similar. I took three weeks off but could have gone back after two (but having that third week was nice!). I had a desk job (now retired)

It really just depends on you and how you recover. Some only need a week & others need more. I wasn’t working when I had my surgery but started a new contract at week 5. I struggled because of energy drops, low blood pressure & poor concentration but I always seem to take longer to recover from things. I was very thankful I was only part time.

Best advice is take a week or two & then negotiate with your employee to return part time or at reduced hours for another week or so but with the understanding you may need a little more time or may not need it at all.

I'm a week post op today. I went back to work on Monday (desk job) I am definitely exhausted, but I am powering through. I wish I could have WFH this week, but my coworkers have NO clue that I had surgery and WFH would have caused their nosy selves to be in my business and ask too many questions.

Honestly, hoping I can go to bed pretty early tonight. I haven't been able to Mon/Tues because I'm also in grad school. Yes, I'm a glutton for punishment, lol.

I definitely recommend a couple days depending on your job, with potentially the flex ability to WFH, or go home if needed.

I was sleeved on 5/30 and returned to work on 6/5 but I wish that I had taken more time. I also WFH with little physical activity. I had initially planned to take the week of 6/5 off as well in case of fatigue but my company has a BS 'unlimited PTO' policy which requires anyone absent for a medical reason for 5 consecutive days to go on short-term disability at 50% pay.

With that being said, losing the pay would have been really taxing but not as taxing as working 40+hours was last week. Take the extra time.

I was sleeved 4/12/23 and went back to work on 5/21. I have a desk job. I had enough PTO to take off 5 weeks.....it was wonderful getting used to the new diet/lifestyle changes while still at home. Bad news........no vacation for me in the near future as i have to build up my PTO ?

I was out-patient and my surgery was last Wednesday I returned to work this Tuesday but only because I work in a office. If I had even a slightly active job I would have taken two weeks off. Today is day 8 post-op and my tummy muscles are very weak.

Im scheduling 6 days off, mostly a desk job, with occasional lifting of about 40 lbs. (definitely will follow my doctors instructions though and not lift more than 30 lbs within a month.

This is my second comment on this but now I wish I'd taken two weeks. lol. I took off Wed-Mon. Wish I'd taken off two weeks because I'm currently Mrs. Grouchy at work.

Edited June 30, 20233 yr by Texas90

Why are you grouchy though? Pain at incision or just general discomfort?

55 minutes ago, Inspectorjh84 said:

Why are you grouchy though? Pain at incision or just general discomfort?

I think the grouchiness came from soreness yesterday (stomach muscles and an unrelated nerve pain in my leg). It comes and goes. Like, today I feel fine so kind of regret posting that. I am 33 and pretty healthy so I know I am possibly having an easier time than if someone twice my age got it. Everyone's experience is going to be different but my advice would be for anyone to take two weeks minimum to be on the safe side

On 7/1/2023 at 2:43 AM, Texas90 said:

This is my second comment on this but now I wish I'd taken two weeks. lol. I took off Wed-Mon. Wish I'd taken off two weeks because I'm currently Mrs. Grouchy at work.

Your grouchiness is understandable. You’ve been through a lot with the surgery, restricted diet, etc. & your resilience is likely low as is your ability to ride with the usual ups & downs & pressures at work. We can only manage so much mental & physical stress. You’re probably low in energy & tire more quickly too. Plus you’ll likely be experiencing a hormonal flush which is messing up your emotions.

Can you see if you can have a couple more days off or reduce your daily work hours while you recover & heal some more?

I’m having vsg on July 10. Come join my private fb group for more support. I can take all I can get. https://m.facebook.com/groups/789792776263744/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

Always definitely something to think about after surgery. Since your stomach helps produce many hormones. I would think this is why most people are a bit emotional after surgery. I am hoping that my presence of mind about all this, and I know someone personally who has used the same doctor and got great results, will help me not have that buyer's remorse feeling that so many people get after the surgery...

Lol I do get buyers remorse even after I buy a new and awesome truck! hmmm...got to think about the end goal....Looking great skinny and having an awesome truck...lol

Edited July 3, 20233 yr by Inspectorjh84