Type of job & time off post op

[Louise1]

I was wondering if you could help..
My bypass op is 4th January and I was planning on having 2 wks off work.
I work in an office managing a busy team of 13 people. It isn't a sit down role which I used to do when I had previous surgeries.
Has anyone got a similar job to mine & how long did you need to take off post op?
Any advice much appreciated to I can manage my own expectations.
Thank you!!
xx

 

[Miss Tickle]

I had open surgery and planned to take two weeks off but actually went back after work after 5 weeks. My surgeon and GP both thought this was very quick and that I had made a good recovery. I went back full time, full pelt and was fine but did make a few little errors like trying to lift stuff. I needed the 5 weeks though. Not just for healing and resting but for establishing a new routine which includes a long walk every day. You may prove me wrong but I think two weeks is optimistic.
Good luck with your op
xx

 

[PurpleB]

Hi,

I was planning on going back to work after two weeks - that would have been today. I am glad that I have another week off as although I feel great sitting around, getting washed and dressed and then walking the dog (as I did yesterday) left me exhausted for the rest of the morning. I had keyhole surgery.

Moira

 

[mazbrad]

hiya louise... welcome and i also got ya email .. sent copys to ya.. i had 6 days off work and i work in busy fish shop. 7 weeks down road i ruptured a hernia so i now wish i had followed the guide line and stayed off work. everyone diffo on recovery so take it at ya own pace xx

 

[londongirl]

I went back after 6 weeks, think I may have took too much time off but felt I needed it as I was very tired and wanted to get through all the eating stages before venturing back to work as not a lot of my colleagues knew about my surgery. Everyone is different and your body will tell you when you are ready..

 

[PhilT]

Hi Louise and good luck on the journey I am self employed and had open surgery after a lap bypass due to complications Thing went a bit like they did for Maz still off work and its been too long but LIVING became more impoirtant than EARNING! Follow the advice they give you is what I say

 

[JO28172]

I had 2wk off then a wk working from home as was tired by afternoon! 2-3wk is reasonable for keyhole if your role isn't manual handling I'd guess.

Sent from my iPhone using WLSurgery

 

[Stavros]

Hi Louise1

I had my Op (Gastric By-pass) on the 21st September (5 weeks ago) and I went back to work on the 17 October after 3 weeks and 6 days. I work at a computer in an office so nothing to stressful but I had to have the Friday of in that first week due to very painful stomach cramps but I was back at work today. I would say that we are all different and the decision of when to start back to work really depends on how you feel yourself and what sort of work you do.

 

[penelope1008]

My surgery was keyhole on 5th july. I was lucky my 3 wks sick note ran into the school summer break which meant I had 9 wks off in the end. I was ready to go back by then but had had time to get through the various stages & could cope with solids reasonably easily & much of the post op lethargy had gone. It still meant I was tired going back but not pushing myself to much. I work at a large comprehensive school as a higher level teaching assistant Maths specialist so teach as well as supporting pupils in class.

 

[jen007]

My sleeve op was 11 Oct ( 2 weeks ago) today is my 1st day back in office! I manage a team of 12 and managed fine. I was tired by early eve but other than that no problems.
I told all colleagues today about surgery so if I am tired or sore they will understand! X

 

[Peterborough Guy]

I had keyhole and was off for 2 weeks.

 

[Staffiemum]

Hi Louise, I had key hole Gastric Bypass. I have had 6 weeks. It is the fatigue which has hit me the hardest. Please be mindful that after having surgery your insurance is void for the first 2 weeks. My Consultant had also stated that he did not want me lifting anything heavier than a mug full of water in a kettle for the first 6 weeks and no form of exercise until after 6 weeks.
Everyone is different but follow the basic guidelines that your team suggest and you shouldnt go wrong. Good luck. xx

 

[angiemason]

i'm having DS and was told 4-6 weeks x it's easy to feel so well at home you're not really doing much and can sit down or have a rest. At work you never know what might crop up meetings etc moving around to speak to people all will take it out of you x good luck just listen to your body

 

[Bonnie66]

Hi I had bypass on 4th October and was told that I definately couldn't go back to work before 4 wks pre op. had a sick note from hospital for 2 wks, and my GP has given me a not for another 4 wks. I'm 3wks post op and now feel tired and can feel things knitting together internally. Listen to your body.

 

[Louise1]

Thank you all for your input.
Much appreciated.
I'll have a word with my line manager today and let her know it might be a little longer. I get paid for my sick so £ isn't the issue. It's boredom more than anything else!!
I'm sure I'll think of something to do..
xx

 

[xxpigsgalorexx]

I have been advised no driving for 6 weeks, so returning to work will be impossible as I do travel for work. Even though the majority is keyhole, it is still major abdominal surgery and fatigue and managing the dietary changes can cause problems. However, as a workaholic, I will be working from home during my recovery x x

 

[angiemason]

you could knit a very long scarf you'll need it to keep warm coz you won't have blubber to protect you x

 

[Denise Morris]

I was wondering if you could help..
My bypass op is 4th January and I was planning on having 2 wks off work.
I work in an office managing a busy team of 13 people. It isn't a sit down role which I used to do when I had previous surgeries.
Has anyone got a similar job to mine & how long did you need to take off post op?
Any advice much appreciated to I can manage my own expectations.
Thank you!!
xx

My surgeon recommended 6 weeks mainly due to coping with the post op diet and discomfort you can get when eating/drinking. My advice (pre op nurse) take 6 weeks post op (worthwhile investment believe me) and this will help you recover properly and prevent any relapse/problems further down line.