Recovery time expectations

[Ann Elizabeth Mahony 69]

So my employer would like to know an approximate time post surg? When I’ve asked my dr or NP, their common response is always “everyone’s different- could be a week, could be 6 weeks..”. That variation in time isn’t calming my employer or clients at all, though they are supportive. I run a state-licensed daycare but I also help
a friend of mine with her bakery. I work a 9-10 hr day of moderate exercise. Just wondering what all of you have encountered as far as recovery.. was it excruciating pain for 5days and then it starts to get better? How long was it until you were able to do common everyday activities?
The dr also compared the pain to childbirth. I had all 3 of my children naturally, and only 1with an epidural, pthe other 2 with Tylenol. I was doing normal activities 3-4 days later. I just have no idea what to tell them, so they can find coverage.

 

[mikem]

Hi, I just had a gastric bypass on 07-09-19 and my surgeon said three weeks. He also said if he found a hernia that he had to repair that it would be longer(6 weeks). The other issue is if you have to lift anything over 25lbs you can't do it for a month. This is probably general info since your surgeon may do things different.
BTW, I am pain free and working out already ( not lifting over 25lbs) without difficulty. I had pain the day of surgery but stopped the pain medication in the morning and haven't needed anything since. I was sore for a week but nothing horrible. I could have taken a Tylenol to relieve it but it was mostly positional pain. The only other issue you may have is feeling run down after surgery, especially until you can start on soft foods.
As far as your employer I would tell him 6 weeks, in case you do have a hernia and they won't release you until then. Otherwise it probably will be half of that as long as there aren't any complications.

 

[Ann Elizabeth Mahony 69]

Hi, I just had a gastric bypass on 07-09-19 and my surgeon said three weeks. He also said if he found a hernia that he had to repair that it would be longer(6 weeks). The other issue is if you have to lift anything over 25lbs you can't do it for a month. This is probably general info since your surgeon may do things different.
BTW, I am pain free and working out already ( not lifting over 25lbs) without difficulty. I had pain the day of surgery but stopped the pain medication in the morning and haven't needed anything since. I was sore for a week but nothing horrible. I could have taken a Tylenol to relieve it but it was mostly positional pain. The only other issue you may have is feeling run down after surgery, especially until you can start on soft foods.
As far as your employer I would tell him 6 weeks, in case you do have a hernia and they won't release you until then. Otherwise it probably will be half of that as long as there aren't any complications.

Hi Mikey!! Hugely helpful! Thank you for taking the time to respond. And how wonderful that a week later you are exercising!! I hope I run that same track. And I definitely told them, I’ll be on light duty for a while at both jobs. Then I’ll take it day by day and follow up with my dr. Thank you!!

 

[Brenda2010]

So my employer would like to know an approximate time post surg? When I’ve asked my dr or NP, their common response is always “everyone’s different- could be a week, could be 6 weeks..”.

Which surgery are you having? Will it be laparoscopic? I had laparoscopic Roux-En-Y in March so I can speak to that.

I was only in pain the first week, after that, the only thing holding me back was fairly severe fatigue. On day 4 or 5 I started doing light activities (dishes, laundry, short walks, visiting, etc.) but would get tired after a few hours and needed naps. Healing, along with almost no caloric intake drained me way more than I had expected. I had had my gallbladder removed just 7 months prior and bounced right back from that. It wasn't like that for bypass. At least not for me. I took 4 weeks off and I'm so glad that I did.

Given that both your jobs have you on your feet and lifting, I wouldn't push it. I agree with Mike, go with the worst-case scenario and tell everyone 6 weeks. It's hard for all of us to do but you need to allow yourself this time. It's your best way to start your new life right!