Working after Surgery...

Yvonne72 · 05-17-2008, 10:32 AM

I'm going to have my band on Tuesday, May 20th and I am planning to return to work the following Tuesday...
Is this realistic?

I understand that everyone's healing process is different, but I'm just anxious to know about others and how long it took them to get back into the swing of things.

I have about a 20 minute drive to work, then a 15 minute walk from where I park- the reverse is a bit different - I have the 15 minute walk, but then the drive home is about 45 minutes.

I sit all day at a desk, so I can elevate my feet and take period walks if I need to. The best part is, they just put in a new gym and I have to walk past it to get anywhere! LOL
I'll be starting a new schedule when I return (8a-4p) so I can work out afterwards and still get home in time to cook everyone dinner!

cb11213 · 05-17-2008, 10:44 AM

Yes this is VERY realistic. After one week, I was 90% healed. It really is a "nothing surgery" and you heal up pretty quickly.

I had my surgery on Thursday and went to school the following Tuesday

That is, considering you don't have a job like... I don't know... lifting bricks manually.

But I notice you have an office job... don't worry about it. I was good as new after a week! Just the tinest bit sore, but nothing life-threatening

It took me about 2 weeks to heal fully. Over one month after, I feel better than before (because I lost weight!).

Yvonne72 · 05-17-2008, 12:53 PM

Thanks CB- you've been really helpful! :o)
Congrats on your loss! Looks like you're doing great!

tammygirl · 05-17-2008, 01:23 PM

I went to work at a desk job a week post op and worked half days for another week. I feel good.

Wishing you the very best during your procedure.
Tammygirl

MSnika3 · 05-17-2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yvonne72

I'm going to have my band on Tuesday, May 20th and I am planning to return to work the following Tuesday...
Is this realistic?

I understand that everyone's healing process is different, but I'm just anxious to know about others and how long it took them to get back into the swing of things.

I have about a 20 minute drive to work, then a 15 minute walk from where I park- the reverse is a bit different - I have the 15 minute walk, but then the drive home is about 45 minutes.

I sit all day at a desk, so I can elevate my feet and take period walks if I need to. The best part is, they just put in a new gym and I have to walk past it to get anywhere! LOL
I'll be starting a new schedule when I return (8a-4p) so I can work out afterwards and still get home in time to cook everyone dinner!

Hi Yvonne,

Remember, your miles may vary. I had surgery on Friday May 9th, I felt well enough to return to work on the following Monday. I am a middle school teacher and this was our week of state testing. So, I didn't have to be up and about much. However, by mid-morning, I felt very under the weather. Tuesday I felt better. Wednesday I felt like hell. I was not necessarily in pain (other than nightly bouts with gas). But, I think I needed rest. It wasn't until Friday that I had completely bounced back. I wish you the best. Just take it easy.

Enchanted · 05-17-2008, 02:21 PM

I hate to say this, but I think age has a bit to do with recovery time. I'm 41, was banded on 4/30 and I'm still having some days where I am very worn out. The 15 minute walk after a full day of work would kick my butt.

I'm also on one of the most restrictive post-op diets I've seen and I honestly don't think I'm getting in enough calories to sustain a full day's worth of activities.

For the first 5 days post-op, I was on nothing but sips of water. The next two weeks are three protein shakes (100 calories each) per day and water. (Thankfully, this comes to an end on Monday when I will graduate to mushy foods.)

So....your mileage will probably vary depending on a variety of factors. I say give it a try and see how you do.

tourismqueen · 05-17-2008, 03:14 PM

I was banded on May 9th and I've been really tired. I worked this past Thursday but not all day and don't plan to do full days for another week. I work in an office but the food restrictions leave me weak. But I lost 11 lbs first week. Is that on the good side? Anyway, just listen to your body and remember that rest is essential to healing too.

NY2LAGirl · 05-17-2008, 03:22 PM

I was banded on the 13th and have had a very slow recovery and could never imagine going to work next week. Up until today if I stood up I felt like my insides were ripping. Today that has decreased but I am still so sore and I feel weak from the clear liquids maybe pshing 50 and having hernia repair at the same time has something to do with it. I guess what I am saying is you can't go by anyone other than yourself! Good Luck

Bridget Cam · 05-17-2008, 04:10 PM

I had my surgery on 5/15 and I am going back to work on Monady the 19th. My job is very low key and I sit most of the time.

Fran · 05-17-2008, 04:53 PM

I went back to work after two days. It depends on how you feel. The soreness was still there, but the bills were there too. I felt better getting back into the swing of things. Still, a very personal decision.
Be well and good luck.
Fran

Yvonne72 · 05-18-2008, 09:58 AM

I'm 36 years old, but also the type of person who can't sit still and staying at home doing nothing for a week frightens me. I hope my fear gets me up and out of the house after that week's time!

My Post-Op Diet isn't too bad (until I actually have to do it!)
3 weeks- 3 liquid meals and clear stuff in between meals including ice pops- YUMMY!

Doc says if you can get it through a straw- you should have it...
4th week is a must to start solids or he will not give a fill at the end of that week.

I've already warned my boss that I may have a hard time working full days at first and she is so cool about it. But that walk back to my car could kill me! LOL Sometimes the escalators are not working and we have to walk up it! I hate it and am SOOO out of breath when I get to the top it's embarrassing.

The escalators are at the last 5 minutes of the 15 minute walk...

I hope that in a couple of months- I look back at this post and say- "I don't even take the escalators anymore- I opt for the stairs every day!" LOL

Working after Surgery...

Working after Surgery...

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