Question about returning to work...

drew05 · 10-13-2008, 02:27 PM

I work for a retail store that sells computers named for fruit

, and I am on my feet ALL day. About how long should I take off for recovery?

RestlessMonkey · 10-13-2008, 02:30 PM

OMG you work for BANANA? LOL
ok all kidding aside, do you lift more than 15 - 20 pounds at once?
If no, then a week at least (more if you want it, but if you're tough, a week will do) If you lift 2 weeks minimum depending on when your doc says it's ok.

If preop at the end of the day you are worn out, then take longer than a week. Post op I felt pretty good but you still have anesthesia etc that has to work its way out, plus you are on liquids (probably) and that can make you a little dizzy and tired more easily. So if you can take 2 weeks, do. You'll probably be bored week 2 but better bored than run ragged.

drew05 · 10-13-2008, 02:33 PM

What are the chances that someone else from SA replies? :D

I do lift quite a bit. Those computers can be pretty heavy. I don't know if they are more than 20 lbs, but they're hefty. I planned on taking at least a week, but I figured I would ask the advice of seasoned veterans and people who have been there ;)

And I'm usually not worn out at the end of the day. What I'm trying to do is schedule my surgery right around Thanksgiving, so I don't have to miss a lot of school and work. Thanks for the reply

RestlessMonkey · 10-13-2008, 02:46 PM

If you have to lift more than 20 then you will really need to take off work for 2 weeks or see if they can put you on light duty. Your band needs to heal in place and that straining to lift can pop the sutures loose. You don't want that! Otherwise you should be fine! :)

chrisfer1 · 10-13-2008, 03:03 PM

Hi,

I am waiting surgery 10/29. but I was told by my doctor NO lifting over 8 Lbs for Six weeks, so talk to your dr..

christina

meschultz · 10-13-2008, 03:20 PM

Drew.. I think it depends on the person really.. At two week post op my husband was told he could lift 20 lbs and he has not problem doing that.. I will be at my two week post op tomorrow and I am telling you if I lift 8 right now I am still kind of sore.. I usually try to lift with my right hand, but if I do slip and lift for instance a jug of milk with my left I can FOR SURE feel it.. It is not painful, but there is a different feeling there and I know I would hate to push it and lift 20 lbs next week even though technically I could.. So Just be careful and I would suggest for your job taking a minimum of 2 wks off..

P.S.. love those fruity computer :) I totally own 2 and everything else made by the fruit... ha ha

gracie78 · 10-15-2008, 08:57 AM

Ugh - my surgery is october 29th and I have a 29lb 18 month old - how the heck am I not going to lift him? My husband is not around 24/7? Now I am nervous.

chrisfer1 · 10-15-2008, 09:49 AM

Hi Gracie,

I am in the exact same situation, I have a 14 month old infant that weighs 23 lbs, and my doctor, Dr. Horgan at UCSD, indicated I can NOT lift anything over 8 lbs for six weeks, he says you risk tears that could be very dangerous.

But again talk to you doctor, see what he says, I can tell you, that everyone around here says Dr. Horgan is super strict.

Good Luck

Christina
We will be having surgery the same day...WOW