back to work after surgery? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Rudy8844 · 05-04-2009, 03:29 PM

Hi! When did you go back to work? I have my appt with the doc tomorrow and I am supposed to go back to work on the 11th.... i had my surgery on the 16th of April. I am worried that I am going to be so tired. I work in an office but we can be faced paced at times.... wanted to know what others have done or think?

Katmar · 05-04-2009, 03:57 PM

Hi Katie
Hope you are feeling well.
Looks like you are doing great with weight loss!

My Surgeon requires 4-6 weeks post op. I am pre-approved for 4 weeks, then the MD can request additional days if needed to my short term disability group/employer.

If you are still too tired, maybe talk to your MD about extending your leave, or returning only part time for a couple weeks.

Mandalagirl · 05-04-2009, 04:31 PM

I went back after three weeks. The first week was really hard and I was very tired. You may want the doc to fill out a part time/or how ever you feel type thing until you know for sure you know? I hung in there and I have an office job too

Hope you are feeling better soon! Drink your protein!!!

Snow-Belle · 05-04-2009, 08:59 PM

I had originally planned on being out a month- or up to 6 weeks...

The shock of how little my short term disability paid had me back at work in three weeks.

I expected to be exhausted, etc, and was very surprised at just how much energy (I was on a rather strict post-surgery diet for the first 2 months) I had after the surgery even though I work in a VERY stressful environment.

It all boils down to how the surgery goes (complications, etc.) and your own situation.

Some people need at least a month to 6 weeks...others go back anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks.... How flexible are they where you work? Will they let you come back part time? What's the home life like, having small children along with a fulltime job (isn't that really TWO full time jobs) can also tire you out after your surgery.

Just don't push yourself to go back any sooner than you need to...

UndercoverDiva · 05-04-2009, 09:12 PM

I went back to work a week after surgery. I'm a legal assistant, which is mostly desk work, but it's fairly fast-paced. I didn't have problems with being tired or other things that would make it uncomfortable. I would've been at my wits' end if I had stayed home any longer.

AlphaChiTheta · 05-06-2009, 12:57 PM

My hospital discharge papers said no work for 6 weeks. My doctor agreed with that. But I had a few complications.

GTR-Mark · 05-06-2009, 01:01 PM

Surgery on a Monday, out Friday because of complications. I worked 18 hours from home the following week, 40 hours from home the week after, and then back to the office full time.

Laura064 · 05-11-2009, 02:12 PM

I went back a week later, I think it actually helped to give me more energy; I was starting to feel lazy sitting around. I do a moderate amount of activity at work and had no problems, it also helped me not want to try and eat things I wasn't supposed to. I think mentally it was the best thing for me. It's very individual.

TheYeti · 05-18-2009, 12:28 PM

I was back at work 10 days after surgery but I sit at a desk all day. I did fine, I just had to make sure not to bump my belly into my desk

. I think it did me some good to get back quick for one thing I had less to catch up on.

LisaJo · 05-18-2009, 12:33 PM

My short term disabilty approved me for 6weeks right off the bat and was willing to work with me if need be. But Im ready....its 6 weeks today since my surgery and I have a 12hr shift tomorrow. A couple weeks ago I was really worried I wouldnt be better but everyday makes a difference. My energy level still isnt what it was but I think getting back to work is just the push I need LOL.