It doesn't sound like enough time to me. I am off for 4 - 6 weeks, but I have a very physical job. Someone else can probably give you a better idea than me. I'm on day 3 postop right now, and there's no way I could return to work. I had the RNY gastric bypass. What are you having?

I am also having the RNY.

would you be able to work from home? 4 days post op doesn't sound like much. This IS major surgery, and you will be hurting, and hopefully not nauseous.
I personally was very tired and needed to rest and nap a lot. I was 9/10 days out before the pain was no longer an issue, but lots of trips to the potty as my body was adjusting to the new route.
Good luck and please don't push it....you may regret it later.
Pegmaire

I had sleeve surgery and stayed off work for a full 6 weeks. I wanted to give myself time to adjust as well as being off just in case of complications. Honestly 4 days post-op I was still very sore, tired and had a drainage tube. You may want to give yourself at least 1 full week before returning no matter how strenuous your job may be.

I had the RNY on a Wednesday, I had the rest of that week and the entire following week off. Total of 8 days off work. I was more then ready to go back.... but I do work in a Medical office where should I need to rest I am more thean able. I wouldnt have been able to be back that following Monday.

GG - I think you are being overly optimistic, though I understand that it will be hard to miss a few days pay. I went back 6 days after I came home from the hospital, but I only work part-time. After 4 hours in the office I had to go home and slept for three hours.

You are going to be really tired. The general anethesia knocks the stuffing out of you. This is MAJOR surgery so I think you had better be prepared to take more time off.

No Way! I don't know how some of you went back after a week, I needed 3 weeks. My Doctor told me between the healing requiring sleep and the sudden change in nutritional intake that I would never be able to avoid sleeping most of the day the first week then it would get better. I was 375lbs and 28 with no other major health problems, I add this because I am sure how much time you will need will depend on those and other factors. I was lucky that my employer allows employees to donate up to 40 of sick or vac time per year to other co-workers.

It sound like everyone is different. I guess I will just have to wait and see how I feel. I definitely will listen to my body and if I can't do it, I can't do it. I will have to live without the pay if that is what needs to happen. I have waited so long for this to happen, I am going to listen to the Dr. and my body and only do what both allow.

Thank you all so much for your input.

gg

Goodness! I had surgery last Tuesday and I am just now feeling better but still can't get around great. The pain is an issue but also being tired and weak too. I have 4 wks off and I'm hoping that's enough!

I went back 2 weeks after surgery, and it was too soon. I am 3 1/2 weeks out now and I am still dragging everyday. Take more time if you can. I know it is difficult. The problem is not so much pain, but it is being so exhausted that you just have to lie down and take a nap. I still have episodes during the day when I could just curl up on the hard bare floor and go to sleep. It comes on very fast. You also must must must stay hydrated so you will need to sip all day long. Until you have done that you do not realize how time consuming it is! And hard!

I was off one week to the day. I have a job that is not too physical. Most people could not tell I had anything done and were surprised when I told them. Everyone is different. I was painting 2 1/2 weeks out. Listen to your team and your body. You'll know what to do. Good luck!!

I took two weeks but could have gone back sooner. I also sit in front of a computer most of the time.

A friend of mine's husband had surgery on Thursday and went back on Monday. With our surgeon, we go home the day after surgery and have no drains or anything like that. Discuss it with your surgeon and have a plan B just in case.

It really is going to depend on how you heal, and if you have any complications. Everyones time frame is different but the shortest amount of time I have seen is 2 weeks. Whatever you do, don't push yourself you need time to heal so that you don't end up back in the hospital and required to take even more time off work.

Thankfully I am a stay at home mom and have been able to take all the time I needed. But even with that I had my brother come stay with us for the first 2 weeks to help out around the house, cooking meals, running kids around and such.