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How long until I can return to work post surgery

LaurieLee

LaurieLee

Member
I am just starting the journey into looking at WLS, probably sleeve. I am wondering if I have the surgery, how long until I can go back to work? I work a desk-type of job and work 2 1/2 days from home and 3 half days at the office. I don't really want my coworkers to know that I have had surgery (well maybe a few will know but not them all). I was thinking of taking a week off to say I was taking care of my mother but I wasn't sure if this is enough time to have the surgery, recover somewhat, and return to work like nothing happened. I'm not embarrassed about the surgery (they all can see I'm overweight, lol) but I just don't think it is anyone's business. I could possibly take two weeks as I have enough vacation. Thoughts???
 
You’d need to consult with your doctor on that one. Since you work a desk job I’d say maybe 2 or 3 weeks. Your energy will probably be really low, and you’ll be required to get your protein and fluids in to deter dehydration. I’m only guessing though. I had the bypass and I was seriously wiped out for a month, but that’s a more intensive surgery. I’m a stay at home mom, and my kids are doing virtual school so my day time requirements are a little different than most.
 
It depends on how you recover from things like this. I was working after 7 days, but I work almost exclusively from home. If it's okay with your employer, you might just come back part time at home for a couple weeks.

It really depends on you, how your surgery and post-surgery healing goes. I think most people should plan for 2-3 weeks, but for a sedentary job, a lot of people go back in 1-2. Talk to your doctor about it. I'd say to prepare your employer for a 3 week absence and then cut it short if you feel like you are ready to go back.
 
I work a desk job and took 1.5 weeks off. I was so exhausted I wished I had taken more. At the time I was working at home due to covid so I was able to tale cat naps between clients if I needed but I would go for the full 2 weeks that seems to be what is recommended for a sleeve.
 
Having had quite a few surgeries in my 66 years I always say take the most that you possibly can. I know for some people it is hard to lose work, especially if you don't have enough sick days. But this is the time for self-care. Your body will appreciate it.
 
I had the bypass about 10 months ago and have worked from home for the past 10 years. When I was first going thru the process based on what the doctors office said I was planning on taking at least a week off. I had the surgery on a Monday and was back to two days later. Thankfully, I did not have any pain or other issues.
 
LaurieLee said:
I am just starting the journey into looking at WLS, probably sleeve. I am wondering if I have the surgery, how long until I can go back to work? I work a desk-type of job and work 2 1/2 days from home and 3 half days at the office. I don't really want my coworkers to know that I have had surgery (well maybe a few will know but not them all). I was thinking of taking a week off to say I was taking care of my mother but I wasn't sure if this is enough time to have the surgery, recover somewhat, and return to work like nothing happened. I'm not embarrassed about the surgery (they all can see I'm overweight, lol) but I just don't think it is anyone's business. I could possibly take two weeks as I have enough vacation. Thoughts???
Click to expand...
I had the duodenal switch (2 weeks today!) and I feel great! However my surgeon said 3 weeks with no restrictions. I do have a more active job it sounds like. Best of luck!
 
Laurie
First, talk to your doctor tell them ALL your concerns so you two can find a plan that works out best for you. I will offer my experience with the agreement I had with my doctor. I too work a desk job and because of the pandemic I have been able to telework with the option to go in (as we are slowly phasing back). I had my surgery on a Thursday 4/22 stayed overnight and took the entire following week off. I teleworked the next week. I went in twice this week and made sure to pack EVERYTHING I could possibly need liquid wise. It worked out fine. Though I was tired coming home those days - get your rest and stay on top of the liquids!
I did not tell people either, but have made sure I have been making some sort "announcement" that I am going to walk the treadmill / ride the bike in the buildings gym after work since I started this journey. I have consistently been on camera for every meeting and call so it's not a surprise when we are all back in the office and I have lost a chunk of weight (42 as of today). I am not hiding the fact of the surgery I just don't want to have to be barraged with questions - which I am sure some will be completely inappropriate - I am not ready to dive into that part of it yet. It's my health and my narrative.
I do also plan to get a serious change of hair cut in June so people will "see" and focus on that more than the weight (or at least not as much of the weight).
Again - it's my story and not ready to share all mental and emotional parts of my life and what made me decide to do have surgery after so many years.
You do you.
Good Luck!
 
DCJanet said:
Laurie
First, talk to your doctor tell them ALL your concerns so you two can find a plan that works out best for you. I will offer my experience with the agreement I had with my doctor. I too work a desk job and because of the pandemic I have been able to telework with the option to go in (as we are slowly phasing back). I had my surgery on a Thursday 4/22 stayed overnight and took the entire following week off. I teleworked the next week. I went in twice this week and made sure to pack EVERYTHING I could possibly need liquid wise. It worked out fine. Though I was tired coming home those days - get your rest and stay on top of the liquids!
I did not tell people either, but have made sure I have been making some sort "announcement" that I am going to walk the treadmill / ride the bike in the buildings gym after work since I started this journey. I have consistently been on camera for every meeting and call so it's not a surprise when we are all back in the office and I have lost a chunk of weight (42 as of today). I am not hiding the fact of the surgery I just don't want to have to be barraged with questions - which I am sure some will be completely inappropriate - I am not ready to dive into that part of it yet. It's my health and my narrative.
I do also plan to get a serious change of hair cut in June so people will "see" and focus on that more than the weight (or at least not as much of the weight).
Again - it's my story and not ready to share all mental and emotional parts of my life and what made me decide to do have surgery after so many years.
You do you.
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Thank you for your info DCJanet. I plan on telling people that I too am starting a weight loss program, just not specific which one. I appreciate your info. Maybe I might not be out for longer than I thought.
 
I took about 3 weeks to go back to work. I work on my feet most of the day with some desk work. I did not feel like working and was glad I was at home, trying to get the liquids in that I needed. We can't eat or drink at our workstations and that was really hard on me in getting my liquids in once I went back and it continues. I did not want to have to deal with liquid diet at work either.
All that is besides being sort of wiped out and weird adjusting to the new stomach. Initially I had some diarrhea issues with the liquids, those resolved. I can still get "blah" at work mostly related to eating too much lunch, so I try to be super careful nowadays about the amount I take in and I sneak more liquids when I can trying not to get caught/fired.
I also told my coworkers I had surgery and they have been super supportive. Now after 71ish pounds, a lot of people noticed the change and have asked me what is going on. It does feel really nice when they call me skinny minnie now (not really skinny, but I will take it). I did not think I cared if anyone noticed, but it is nice to be recognized since it is HARD WORK.
 
DCJanet said:
Laurie
First, talk to your doctor tell them ALL your concerns so you two can find a plan that works out best for you. I will offer my experience with the agreement I had with my doctor. I too work a desk job and because of the pandemic I have been able to telework with the option to go in (as we are slowly phasing back). I had my surgery on a Thursday 4/22 stayed overnight and took the entire following week off. I teleworked the next week. I went in twice this week and made sure to pack EVERYTHING I could possibly need liquid wise. It worked out fine. Though I was tired coming home those days - get your rest and stay on top of the liquids!
I did not tell people either, but have made sure I have been making some sort "announcement" that I am going to walk the treadmill / ride the bike in the buildings gym after work since I started this journey. I have consistently been on camera for every meeting and call so it's not a surprise when we are all back in the office and I have lost a chunk of weight (42 as of today). I am not hiding the fact of the surgery I just don't want to have to be barraged with questions - which I am sure some will be completely inappropriate - I am not ready to dive into that part of it yet. It's my health and my narrative.
I do also plan to get a serious change of hair cut in June so people will "see" and focus on that more than the weight (or at least not as much of the weight).
Again - it's my story and not ready to share all mental and emotional parts of my life and what made me decide to do have surgery after so many years.
You do you.
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Janet,
Don't do my haircut! I went to town with the horse clippers because I didn't want to go to the salon in Covid conditions (waiting outside, wearing a mask, being pampered by a masked person) not my thing. Now I did the drastic cut and I do like it AND better yet it is FREE!!! Quit that meddlesome color habit too, let the grey come on it.
Sharon
 
sharontx said:
Janet,
Don't do my haircut! I went to town with the horse clippers because I didn't want to go to the salon in Covid conditions (waiting outside, wearing a mask, being pampered by a masked person) not my thing. Now I did the drastic cut and I do like it AND better yet it is FREE!!! Quit that meddlesome color habit too, let the grey come on it.
Sharon
Click to expand...
I am not a slave to the bottle! Grew it out and I am pretty happy with it. I do need a cut - it's been almost a year.
 
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