How long did it take you to recover from surgery? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Rottimom · 03-06-2008, 07:07 PM

I have still not decided between Gastric Bypass and Lap-Band but I am leaning towards GB. What I want to know is how long did it take you to recover from the Gastric Bypass surgery? How long did you take off of work? Would it be possible to go back to work after 1 week if I have a desk job? If not how long?

Thanks for your response.

Toony · 03-06-2008, 07:17 PM

Hi Mom! I had my surgery on a Tuesday.... and went back to work 1/2 days 13 days later... I could have gone full time, but had a sick hubby at home to deal with. I also have a desk job... so it's possible! You may find yourself tired more than anything...

Painwise, energywise - I was driving and snowblowing at 5 days post-op!

Oh ---- I should mention I'm a tough o'l gal from Wisconsin

katie

Andie · 03-06-2008, 07:28 PM

Everyone heals differently...I had open RNY with hernia repair...I got a site infection that needed extra care as well. I am a SAHM and was a student at the time. I'd say after two weeks I probably could have done a desk job "sometimes" but some days I felt like crap....I didn't feel back to my normal self until week 5 and something snapped and I was good as new! I consider myself a tough cookie too so feeling so week and not like myself was hard for me to deal with. But I went through a lot and wouldn't change it for the world!

Godsblessedme · 03-06-2008, 07:39 PM

i would almost go so far to say at least give yourself 2 weeks to really heal properly and carefully. It is major surgery and even though you may feel great 1 week out, its still major surgery and need some more healing time.

VanessaSFL · 03-06-2008, 07:42 PM

I tried putting an "S" on my chest but didn't feel ok till about 9 weeks, however I am HUGE Baby

No pain...just so TIREDDDDZZZZZZZZZZZ.

MiladyB · 03-06-2008, 10:04 PM

My surgeon won't give the "OK" to return to work until after your first 2 week appointment. It didn't make any difference what kind of job you had. For me I was off 4 weeks and I felt like I needed it but I am an RN in a critical care unit so my job requires a fair amount of lifting, time on your feet and long shifts.

cnvh · 03-10-2008, 08:39 AM

I also basically have a desk job... I had no complications from my RNY and went back to work 13 days after surgery. For the first week, I worked shortened hours (left a couple hours early each day), then after that I was back to a normal schedule.

For the first couple of weeks, even with NO complications, you will tire very easily, and what sleep you DO get will probably not be as restful as it should be, so even though you might not have a physically demanding job, you'll still get pooped easily. I normally work 8-4:30, and the first week I was back at work, it was all I could do to leave around 2:00 and make it home before I passed out-- I just literally could not stay awake for a full work-day at first.

But if you have no complications, you DO get better and better each day. I'd say that for me, I was 100% back to normal-- and probably BETTER than normal-- by 1 month out. After that, it was all a steady improvement-- you don't realize how "blah" you feel from being fat, until the weight starts to come off-- then you're like, "ohmygawd, I haven't felt this great in YEARS!!"

And again, this is with no complications-- if you DO have problems, you could easily be out of work for weeks, if not months. Better to PLAN for at least 3 weeks, then if you feel up to it (and your doc OK's it), you can always go back early if you want.

soon2bthin · 03-10-2008, 09:43 AM

I took two weeks off work. After my first week I felt good and could have went back the second week, but stayed of as a precaution. I also have a sit down desk job.

Cassie

mssg13marinewife · 03-10-2008, 10:59 AM

Me I had open RnY, so it took me alot longer to recover 5 weeks. For that time most was spent in bed just sleeping, little moving just trying the heel. I couldnt put my own shoes or socks or pants on. I couldnt bend at the waist to do this so I needed help. I to have a desk job and still didnt go back until 5 weeks. So everyone differs.

Olusha · 03-11-2008, 12:41 AM

I honestly was out partying (not drinking or anything, just out dancing) a week or so after my lap bypass. I felt pretty much fine after the first 3 days, which were pretty hellish for me.