Question:
HELP ! I don't know how much time to take off work
I do will be having an open RNY on Sept.19 and I also do home daycare and I don't have any idea how much time to take off. I took 2 weeks off for my last c section and was perfectly ok with it so I was thinking 2 weeks would be ok.I will have someone with me for 4 weeks to help lift(2 babies) Is that a good time frame? Any answers appreciated. Thanks — Tina C. (posted on June 27, 2002)
June 26, 2002
I decided to use my short term disability and took 4 weeks off from work.
The reasoning behind this was when I had lap gallbladder removal, it took
me 3-4 months to recover so I decided that with the Open RNY, I wanted to
take the most time I could. With preloading my protein prior to surgery, I
actually was feeling much better at 2 weeks, but still wanted to use the
time to completely recover. I hope this helps. (60" distal RNY
08/28/01 - 95 lbs forever!!)
— trtorrey
June 27, 2002
Hi Christina. I had LAP RNY and was ready to work in 2wks. My father had
OPEN RNY and is age 59, poor health (diabetes, high BP, back pain, etc.).
He was able to go back to work in 3wks without a problem. He was amazed at
how well he felt in 3wks time. He originally anticipated on staying out
about 6wks. I think that if you have assistance, and DO NOT lift any
babies, that you will be fine. If you have the capability to leave and rest
for an 1hr or so, if needed, that is even better. Best wishes on your
journey. ~ Debbie
— Deborah F.
June 27, 2002
My surgeon filled out the paperwork for my employer requesting 4 weeks, and
in the end extended it to 6 weeks. This is a hard question to answer
because it really is something that varies from person to person. I've
heard of some people who've gone grocery shopping the day after they got
out of the hospital, while at the same time I could hardly do any bending
or stretching until the last of my staples came out. I would suggest you
plan on your 2 weeks, but make sure you have an option to extend that time
if you need to, as well as extend the time you'll have assistance when you
do go back full-time.
— Kasey K.
June 27, 2002
The Kaiser Bariatric program tells you to take off 6 weeks, lap or open. I
work p.t. from home and went back to work at five weeks, but in a very
limited capacity. I think it was too soon for me. I'm eight weeks post-op
today and as far as the tiredness, I'm just STARTING to feel a little bit
more normal. I think it varies from person to person. Age is a factor
(I'm 48), and I'm also dealing with a chronic illness, fibromyalgia, which
has the components of slow healing and chronic fatigue. So I'm a weird
one. Again, everyone will be different in their healing. Also, NO LIFTING
over 20 lbs. for at least SIX weeks...very important! And Kaiser even said
don't lift over 10 lbs. for the first two weeks. I obeyed, and did not get
an incisional hernia or otherwise. Hugs, Joy
— [Deactivated Member]
June 27, 2002
On my additional letter the surgeon wrote 4 - 6 weeks....the people who
handle our short term disability, only approved 4 weeks....the surgeon
wrote for an extension...to be honest...I could not have gone back before 6
weeks. Yesterday was my first day back and everyone took it really easy on
me, letting me catch up on emails, calls and mail...a very usually stress
free day and I was about to die by 4:30. My back was killing me (I took
the heating pad today). If you have someone come in to help you (cuz you
will not be able to lift those babies) you may be ok at 4 weeks.
— Sharon H.
June 27, 2002
I was back to work full-time at two weeks post-op open RNY. Of course, I
didn't have any complications and I have an office job that doesn't have
any physical demands.
— Karla K.
June 27, 2002
2 weeks does not sound like enough time to run a day care, even if you are
not doing the lifting. You will wear yourself out in no time. In the
beginning, you are not getting enough food/calories to give you much
energy, and with the healing process from surgery, it takes time to feel
well again. Altho I have heard of some who go back to a desk job in 2
weeks, thats not the norm, and you are doing day care, not a desk job. It
took me a full 6 weeks to get over the morning nauseousness and gain my
energy back. Take care of yourself.
— Cindy R.
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