Can you work? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Shar · 03-04-2006, 10:36 AM

First post obviously.
I am looking into the proceedure and right now I have a lot of reservations, but I think the main one is, how you feel afterward.
I have a very physically demanding job. I know, it makes no sense. How can I be obese when I work so hard? Poor eating habits mostly. I work outside, manual labor type stuff, heavy lifting, constant moving, rain or shine.
So my concern is, will I be able to work post-op. Will I have the energy,the strength?
From other posts I've read it doesn't sound like it.
Any suggestions?
Shar

Witchypoo · 03-04-2006, 10:46 AM

Shar I can't speak for anyone else but I know that at the 2 wk point I felt completely normal and was back to my normal activity. I think everyone has a different type of recovery. I know someone who took a month off and is going back on Monday and she's been feeling fine for 2 wks now (her surgery was 4 wks ago). If you do heavy lifting you may want to just check on what the post op limitations would be as recommended by your surgeon. And whether or not you have a lap vs. open procedure would also make a huge difference.

chrisie_92020 · 03-04-2006, 10:54 AM

Shar,
I also have a physically demanding job, I discussed this with the surgeon and he told me that as long as there were no complications with the surgery I would be able to do my normal duties at 6 weeks, however my employer will give me up to 12 weeks if I need it.

coptergirl · 03-04-2006, 12:08 PM

You can take all of your sick and/or vacation for full pay benefits, or you can file for disability (either state or private) for 60%. If that is all exhausted, you can take unpaid FMLA leave for up to 12 weeks, and your status becomes protected...

MiladyB · 03-04-2006, 12:23 PM

Shar,

I'm a nurse in a critical care unit and I do a lot of lifting, pulling etc. I took 4 weeks off and felt pretty good when I returned to work last week. With your type of job I would consider taking at least 4 weeks off. Even with that you will probably get tired faster but remember, as the weight comes off the energy level usually gets higher.

Shar · 03-05-2006, 10:18 AM

Thank you all for your input.

lealphachienne · 03-05-2006, 01:52 PM

Yes, the first few weeks and month for some are draining. I was feeling great after 3 weeks..but still took the full 6 weeks off. Within 4-6 months, I was roaoring full speed ahead and then some. I had sleep apnea pre-op that totally went away after. Just getting a good night's sleep got me all revved up. Now, I'm stronger than ever before and just go, go,go!

singman · 03-06-2006, 06:58 PM

After the surgery I was told nothing over 10 pounds. That's about the weight of a gallon of milk. I had the laproscopic surgery and my butt was dragging when I went back after three weeks. I have a desk job and sit at a computer all day. It's taken me another three weeks since then to build up a head of steam.

If you do a lot of heavy lifting don't do it for at least 6 weeks, You don't want everything inside of you getting torn open.

Go slow if you go back to work, but listen to the doctor, they know what happens if you don't pay attention. :-)

VanessaSFL · 03-06-2006, 07:54 PM

FYI~FMLA ...have to be at your current job more than a year.

I work retail,stand all day moving.It was awful and I went back at 6 weeks.I didn't feel "ok" untill I was almost three months out.I am not a whip but my surgery kicked my but and I had eating problems for the first 6 months.

Good Luck~ Van