How long were you out of work? I have 3 children and was actually hoping to get this surgery shortly before their winter break so I can stay home with them.

Not sure if my doc will sign off on me having 2 weeks off for FMLA.

What was your experience?

My doctor gave me six weeks at my request. Two weeks shouldn’t be a problem. Others, who have needed to go back, were able to do so in just a few days.

I had surgery on Tuesday, was back to work Monday. I have a remote desk job. nothing physically strenuous, and my kids are older (long past the diaper change, carry around on my hip years). I felt ok, pain was very minimal, but I was EXHAUSTED. I took naps everyday for probably 2 full weeks.

I took two weeks off from work, although I did feel well enough to go back to work after a week. I made myself take the two weeks because knowing myself, I would have busted a stitch going back sooner. I have a job where I need to lift up to 75lbs, so I went on light duty with a 25lb lifting restriction for 3 weeks. No problems, and I am 2 months out from surgery and back to my pre-surgery lifting. However, I did get lightheaded on occasion, and a little weak. I slept more than usual. I developed back issues due to my weight, and it really started to hurt more than normal the first week or two I came back to work. The pain radiated out of my lower back up to my shoulders and neck. Things have gotten much better as I take the weight off and get back to a more routine of diet and exercise.

I had two weeks off from work. I would have liked to have one more week, but that wasn't an option. I also had a hernia repair on top of WLS, so that made a for a little more pain and discomfort.

I took three weeks off work but could have gone back after two. Other than being tired in the afternoons (or most afternoons), I felt fine.

With my sleeve, I took 2 weeks off and needed every bit of it. With my revision to bypass, I was up and doing things after 4 days. Only took a week off, but honestly didn't need it. Still took it, though lol

I sit at a desk so I went back to work the following Monday (Surgery on Tuesday before). My daughter who is a nurse but doesn't lift patients etc, took the second week off as well and went back to work. She is on her feet all day and didn't have any issues.

For both (vsg and revision), I was down for no more than a day or two. I slept the first day I got home, up on the 2nd day at the computer but took a nap, but by 3rd, I was good for desk work, general household chores.I can't do codeine but regular Tylenol handled any incision pain. There is a lot of general fatigue though in the first month or so. I was allowed coffee from the beginning and that helped my fatigue a lot. I don't think you will have any problem getting two weeks approved.

I was retired, early retired due to medical disability, and choice. I took it easy for 1 week or 2, treated myself like an egg, but I was good togo very soon. I was on protein shakes, get the nectar brand, it has fruit flavor and mixes great with sugar free Walmart brand or Crystal light, and much cheaper than premixed. I made a huge picture, 8 scoops and filled 4 Gatorade 32 oz bottles, 400 calaries, 60 grams of protein, and 64 oz of water in 2 bottles. Just a little of. Each and good for day. I lost 38lbs the month before surgery, and averaged 20 to 25lbs a month. So my. Life really hadn't changed after surgery except I don't crave foods at all

On 9/8/2023 at 12:58 PM, AmberFL said:

How long were you out of work? I have 3 children and was actually hoping to get this surgery shortly before their winter break so I can stay home with them.

Not sure if my doc will sign off on me having 2 weeks off for FMLA.

What was your experience?

Two weeks should be no problem. My doctor gave me 8 weeks. Disability usually covers 6 weeks for non-government workers. FMLA covers 12 weeks, but that's just to keep your job...that's not the payment part. Hope this helps. Also, FMLA paperwork is different than the Disability paperwork.