For energy, sleep as much as you can when you are off work. Take a little walk in fresh air, and be sure to take your protein shakes with you to work.

That said, if your body tells you that you need more time to heal and recover--this is MAJOR SURGERY, after all--think about asking for more time off. Your health has to be your first priority.

Good luck. :)

I forgot to mention that, because you are a "youngin", you may find that energy is not a problem. And, as your body begins to melt fat, you'll find your energy going through the roof!

JJ. Realistically, I don't think it's possible. I went back after 6 days but I work part time. After 4 hours I went home and slept for another four.

I don't think it is possible that you can work a 12 hour shift after 8 days.

Can you take medical leave or vacation time?

I went to work after 5 weeks and did 12 hr shifts.
Wouldn't recommend it! Couldn't get in all my fluids or protein!
I was just exhausted and could barely function at end of each day!
I know your in the medical field, is this your choice or are they making you come back that soon?
If you can, go back for half days and increase your hours slowly!
After only 8 days, you will have no routine yet to your eating and drinking plan, and will be worse trying to figure it out at work!

Good luck. I just started getting my energy back at 2 months post op and taking B12.

Please check and see if you can get more time off or work reduced shifts. This is major surgery and you will really need to heal.

GB is major surgery. Your employer needs a medical release for you to go back to work. Your surgeon should be able to write you out for at least 2-3 weeks - or until you are on pureed foods. I went back to work after two weeks, but I don't have a physically strenuous job. However, by the end of the day I was really tired.

The other thing you don't want to do is lift anything too heavy. I couldn't lift anything over 8 lbs for 4 weeks. Make sure when your surgeon releases you that he puts that in the release so that your employer and your fellow employees understand that they need to help you with that.
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Drink your protein, and get as much sustenance as you can. Don't forget your vitamins either!

Take Care - and avoid rushing back if you can.

I guess I'm considered one of the younger ones. I'm 32 and I was still exhausted...especially that early out!