Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

There will probably be as many answers to this as people that respond. Age, doctor's technique, your overall energy level and ability to recover and move around quickly (or not), and being comfortable with getting all the nutrients in, and incorporating that into your work life...are all factors.

There are many who returned to work after 3-4 weeks. I'd guess that is reasonable. Nice you have additional time IF needed. I was glad I wasn't working at that time, because I was not one who was ready at that stage to add work, and that schedule back into a routine that was brand new, at a time also, when MY energy level was very low.

I needed iron supplements, and continue on it a couple times a day even now. Feeling great now, and have been since about the 3rd month, but up til then I was drained. Still exercised and walked, and rested, and made sure I had all the nutrients taken in, but for me the extra time would've been needed.

Hope that helps.
Cindy

Recovery time is based on the type of procedure (laproscopic or open) and how well your body reacts to the surgery itself. I had open bypass and was off work for 4 weeks, however, the first week back was pure hell and should have taken 5 weeks off.

Thank you so much for your answers. I am having the laproscopic procedure done, hopefully in the next few weeks from now (still waiting on my insurance to approve me). I do understand it is up to me to take my nutrients and water and exercise to help get my energy level back or I will be dragging for sure at work. I am planning on 3 weeks off from work and will take more if necessary.
I'm glad I found this site as everyone is so nice and kind and have good advice. Have a great day.

My doctor said the healing sites takes form 6 to 8 weeks. I would count on 6 weeks, depending on your job how soon you will be able to get back. You will do fine. I did. I had mine RNY 6/15/09. I am down 64 pounds. Good luck with surgrey

I was off work 2 week and it was not enough, but that was all the time I had and being a single mom with a mortgage and a car payment, I certainly could not take time off without pay. I was weak and in pay when I went back, but I made it. I NEEDED 3 weeks, maybe even 4, but 4 definitely would have been enough for me. I was already going a lil stir crazy at 2 weeks. However, my body was not ready to go back at 2. If I had 6 weeks to play with, I would say 4 weeks would be more than enough time!! If you are a fairly active person, you will find at week 3 you are feeling like yourself, the pain is subsiding and you are ready to return to your normal life.

I was off for a week and a half. It was not enough but it was entirely unpaid so I could not afford to take more off. I would have preferred a full 2 weeks, maybe 3.

Today (Monday 11/9/09) is my first day back at work after having RNY on Oct 19th (3 weeks exactly). I have a sit down job and never have to do anything physical so today is 1/2 done and I still feel fine. Every person recovers differently, some people can't believe I'm back and feel so well but to tell the truth I was getting bored sitting at home so the time was right to get back to work for me.

I was off a total of 4 weeks...but could have gone back after 3--I was feeling good and ready to go back. Hubby had an emergency appendectomy 4 days before my surgery--so he was off at the same time...I just chose to go back the same time as him so we could finish taking care of each other!! You'll know when you're ready, but don't overdo it either!! Best of luck!!

Erica

I took a moWhen I return I was drained at the end of the day. Came home ate and went to bed. But each week got better and better. About the third month I really started feeling good. Each person will be different.

i plan on 2 weeks..its all the time i have so will have to do..i usually recover pretty quickly..worked 5 days after gb surgery. it will be before christmas..hopefully the first week in december.just got my official letter of approval today..so hope work wont be too crazy.i work in an imaging center so tend to be busy!