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

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!

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.

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.

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.

TnTrobillard, I am in Cleveland, TN! Small world!

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.

Carrie,

Glad to find someone local on here. Who did your band? I live in Hixson.

Dr Paynter did mine at Memorial. What hospital do you work at?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

I had surgery on a Tuesday, and was supposed to go back to work on Monday but couldn't. I went back to work on Thursday (9 days post-op) but I was still sore and not feeling well. It took 2 full weeks to feel like myself again.