Realistic Return to Work

I am scheduled for lap RNY on 3/7 and spoke with one of my coworkers
today, who also had a lap RNY about 10 months ago. I do not have a
very physical job. It is about half and half walking and sitting at
a desk. I am hoping to return to work in about 2 weeks and work 4
hours a day for the next week. She thinks I am being unrealistic in
my expectations. I know everyone is different in their healing
process. I had my child by c/s and did extremely well after that
surgery. Of course, I was 10 years younger! I’m not sure if she was
concerned about my healing or adjusting to the pouch and eating. I
would appreciate some input from you all. By the way, I only have
about 3 1/2 weeks of sick leave. Thanks for the help and keep me in
your prayers! Kim

4 Responses to “Realistic Return to Work”

  1. Christina Rosia Says:

    Hello all…
    I’ve just been watching this group for a few days now, and thought I’d take
    the plunge…
    Most groups I’ve seen involved with weight loss are predominantly female in
    membership, and this seems to be no exception… but I now that there are
    at least a few males out there who check these groups out, and I’d like to
    chime in from time-to-time with the male perspective on all of this…
    That having been said, I’m coming up on the 2nd anniversary of my open
    RNY… I’m down 206 pounds as of today, and am feeling very good; but I
    still have a ways to go. And I’m looking forward to reading the advice
    from the group about keeping going down.
    I’ll be glad to share my experiences. But I’ll always be the first to say
    that given the great differences between people, the various types of
    surgeries, and even between surgeons supposedly performing the exact same
    procedures, the things I do may not be for anyone except myself.

    I’ll always be glad to respond to private e-mails if people have questions…
    Take care..
    Jim
    Open RNY 3/13/01
    Dr. Thirlby, Virginia Mason Hospital, Seattle, WA
    Wt. then: 595 Wt. today: 389

  2. Lois Lancaster Says:

    Kim,
    Physically, you might be ready at 3 weeks. I know I was. I have an office type
    job so no physical stress or strain was required. I chose to remain out of work
    for 8 weeks. I found while I felt good, my energy level dipped quickly and I
    would tire very easily. And although office work is not physical, it is tiring.
    Even taking a shower and getting dressed for the day can be tiring. I also
    found it helpful to get better established in how and what to eat as well as
    when to eat. After 8 weeks I felt more comfortable knowing what foods to pack,
    feel comfortable knowing I could get my water in and know I could handle
    working. Even now at 12 weeks post op, I still get drained after 4 hours. NOT
    PHYSICALLY, but it just saps my energy and my mind is read for a rest. Some
    peace and quiet. We need to remind ourselves it is not just our body doing the
    adjusting! Hope this helps!
    Rev. Pam in PA

  3. Wilburn Terry Says:

    Hi Kim:
    This is coming from a woman who just had Lap on 2/19. I also had my childred by
    c/s 6 years ago and did great. I thought this surgery was going to be very easy
    for me as well. I am in pretty good shape for an obese person, but still was
    afraid of complications. Anyway, the surgery went off without a hitch. I had
    an awesome doctor and now, I have been cruising the mall, driving all over and
    feeling somewhat energetic. This is all with my doctor giving me clearance and
    the protien shakes are giving me energy. In my personal opionion and 1 week 1/2
    out, I would say you should be great after 3 weeks. I still have an NG tube for
    the next 3 weeks which isn’t too obvious, but other than that, I would think in
    two more weeks I would be super. Not to mention when you lose some weight you
    will feel a little lighter :o) on your feet.
    This is just my personal opinion. I think it’s worth about .01 in this economy.
    *<grin
    Pam

    P Hatch
    Lap RNY - Dr. Muhammad Jawad
    Ocala Regional Hospital, Ocala Florida
    250# / ??? / Goal 150#

  4. Bonnie Nakisha Says:

    I am a real estate agent, walking, showing houses, property, in and out of
    the car and driving. I had my lap RNY on 10/29 and was back at work full
    time by 11/15. We are all different and our bodies heal at different pace.
    BTW, I am 61 years young and getting younger every day. Good Luck! Make
    you plans, subject to change.
    Anne S.
    Lap RNY 10/29/03 Dr M Willaims/Dr J Champion
    Atlanta
    306/228/?

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