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

Recommended Posts

How long did it take everyone to recover after surgery? More specifically, when did you return back to work?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went back to work on the 7th day after my surgery, but I still felt bad so I took the 8th day off again. I underestimated my recovery time. I thought it would be very easy but I was in a lot of pain for weeks after the surgery. I am almost 2 months post-op now and have had some issues but I am now pain-free. It has been totally worth it!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgery was a Friday afternoon. I did outpatient. It wasn't as bad as expected, but still think of it in terms that you've been stabbed 4 - 5 times.

I was planning on starting to work from home on Tuesday. Had to take my friend to the airport Tue morning - which was difficult. Getting in/out of cars was TOUGH.

Started going into the office on Wed but didn't work full days. You are prevented from carrying over around 10lbs for about 6-8 weeks. On day about 14 I had a business trip which was exhausting. Didn't realize how difficult walking through airports would be.

You'll continue to feel twinges and pain around your port for a couple of months. Don't panic. I would say that I felt really back to 'normal' around week 4.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I took a week off, and I'm really glad I did. I have heard of people going back sooner, but there's no way I could have. I had a rough couple of days. But it was still worth it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm an RN and work 12 hour days. I was forced to take a month off and I'm glad for it. I'm exactly two weeks out today, and I want to go back, but I know the lifting would wear me out.

My first 8 days were hell with pain, thrush, cough, Migraines. Looking back, I think a lot of it was just detoxing my body. But in general, you're weak until you start putting real food in your mouth. And, getting used to how to eat takes some time.

I guess the answer is at least a week, but more depending on your type of job.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm an RN in the NICU, I had surgery on Tuesday and was back at work on Thursday night. Did fine, just in case you were wondering.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my surgery last Friday, one week from today. I feel "normal" today and also yesterday. I'd say to take at least a week off. It really depends on what you do for a living.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Carrie,I work at Erlanger in L&D. What do you do?

I'm a medical assistant for a pain management doctor. But I just got accepted for the RN program at Cleveland State. Where did you go?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

lunch sounds great! No, I don't have any children. Do you?

I know what you mean about the energy level increasing as I lose weight. That's one reason why I had surgery. I don't want to be a fat nurse! lol. I have been in the medical field for about 10 years or so. I started out as a CNA and then got my MA. I was also a phlebotomist for a while. I like being an MA, you can't beat the hours, plus weekends off. But there's so many people doing it now, it's getting harder to find good jobs at good offices. Plus the pay is not so great. I basically do a lot of the same things as nurses do, yet I get paid a whole lot less.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey guys, how bout you take the private conversation to pm and let's get back on topic. Thanks!

I had a reaction to the anesthesia and ended up back in the hospital for 2 more days, so I didn't start feeling "normal" for about 2 weeks.

I didn't have a lot of pain though, I felt more bloated and gassy. The pain wasn't too bad.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had surgery on a Thursday and could have gone back to work (I'm a special ed teacher) on Monday, but stayed off. I officially took 5 days off prior to winter break but had basically 3 weeks to heal and I went back as planned after my break with no issues. I did go to church on Sunday (morning and evening) after surgery on Sunday. I think we are all different, but it is a short recovery, for the most part.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I took about 3 or 4 days to feel normal, I could have coped with working short days by that time - non physical work of course. I didnt have to as I'm a student and stay at home mother. So I got oh, 2 hours to relax, lol. I had a 2 year old to look after and coped fine. I needed a bit of an afternoon nap though, and no lifting.

DH was banded on the 6th and went back to work today - with the two weekends it was nine days at home. He's more than ready to be back at work, could easily have been back after about five days I'd say, was working from home.

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

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 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

    ×