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

RN's How long did you take off work?



Recommended Posts

Hi. I'm a NICU nurse, getting banded 9/29. Doc said I could have surgery wed, and go btw mon. Just curious any other RNs, or other healthcare professionals, how long did you take off work? Already feel like crap, overwieght and tired, I'm excited about the surgery, but wondering if I should take a couple weeks or so off. Aren't you pretty weak, being on a liquid diet? Thanks for the help! :rolleyes:

Edited by ambraberger

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi there, I am also an RN and work in the ER. I took a full week off but only returned to 8 hrs shifts the second week. I am in that week now and so far so good. I am not really feeling very weak but my energy level drops after 3pm.. maybe its naptime. Hope this helps and good luck!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Congratulations on your upcoming band!!! I too am a nurse, I work 12 hour shifts in critical care. I was given 2 weeks off by my surgeon, and took a vacation week, so I had a total of 3 weeks off. You will feel weak and tired the first few days due to the liquid diet, (carb withdrawl). It was actually the 3rd week that I felt energy and hit the gym hard and I felt great when I went back to work. Everyone is different, but 12 hours is long!!! Make sure you eat (drink) frequently when on liquids if you go back that soon or you will feel it and not have much energy. The first week I had a headache almost daily...not terrible just an annoyance!!

I can tell you having 60 pounds off now I feel fantastic!!! I breeze thru 12 hours!!! Good luck to you, if you have time off take it and concentrate on a routine of exercise and your diet. Lots of LBT helps too.

Take Care!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am also a nurse-a staff educator. I had the surgery on a Tuesday and went back to work on Friday. I really had no problems or pain at all after the surgery. The worst part is the liquid pre-op diet I had to go on 10 days prior to surgery-but all Dr.'s don't have the same criteria. Also for one week following the surgery I was on liquids and that made me feel a little tired out. Good luck to you, you will feel wonderful and full of energy!!!!!!!! I had my lapband done on June 9th and I am 55lbs down already-Life gets good:smile:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I appreciate this question and all the answers. I'm not a nurse YET...just a nursing student, and I start my pediatrics clinicals on 9/9. Since I've been doing an austere Atkins type diet for a while (hence the great WL to date) I'm past the "weak" stage...

I was worried about remaining hydrated because when one is a student we're expected to go in and work and learn, not sip Water etc. (Most of our teachers even give us the stink eye if we use the restroom LOL) Still though it is NOTHING to compare to actually BEING a nurse. So if you guys can do it; I feel better that I can do it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi,

The problem isn't so much being weak from the diet but you aren't allowed to do the heavy lifting required of nurses. Most doctors won't allow you to lift over 15 pounds for 2-4 weeks. Our hospital won't allow you to come back to work if you have lifting restrictions.

Bonnie

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the replys. I'm self pay and don't want to jeopardize anything. I think I'll take off longer than a week. I have some sick time and short term disability, might as well use it. Thanks again! Here goes!! Yay!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I work in OB/mother baby (RN Clinical Director). Everything my doc has had me read says I can return in 1 week if I don't do any lifting over 20 lbs, 3 weeks otherwise. I am a working manager so I still do direct patient care, but my staff will probably take it easy on me just so I won't take the whole 3 weeks!!

Best wishes with your surgery!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm not a nurse, but I'm a Unit Clerk on a busy Surgical Unit. I would suggest at very least two weeks off and have a contingency plan in case you need to take more time off. I took two weeks off and I felt like I was hit by a train by the time I went home after eight hours. I couldn't imagine what it would be like doing more physical work as a nurse would do. All the stooping, crouching, leaning and being on your feet will wear you out fast and can make you quite sore.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

As an RN on a surgical floor we do a lot of lifting and I took two weeks off and smartly returned on my short week, man I was tired after those two days, and I was not prepared to be soo busy that I was unable to get a snack and my sugar dropped, while I was pushing some meds, I had our UC bring me a juice so I could finish.

The next day went much better. but I was glad to have the weekend off to recouperate. My shift has been great with the lifting restriction.:biggrin:

Protien, protien, protien.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am a RN, have two jobs. My doc says I can return to the desk job in 3 days (but I'm taking one week off). For my RN job doing adult med/surg he wants me to take off 4 weeks.

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

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • 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. 💜

  • 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

    ×