This is what I recommend for time off from work. Depending upon what procedure you have it is best to take off at least two weeks instead of the plan of one week. If you are not for sure how long you need to take off talk with your doctor and see what he recommends.

Congratulations! I told you it would happen before you know it. I had surgery on Christmas eve. I, like you planned to go back to my desk job in a week. When I woke up Monday morning I was very weak and rather dizzy evem after getting down 2oz of my proteon shake. I also noticed that while I could drive even little walks around the grocery store still made me dizzy one week out. Because you will still be figuring out what to eat how to schedule your protein and liquid intake all while dealing with the crazu hormone surge I recommend trying to go back after two weeks if possible. I am going to make an attempt this coming Monday to go back in the office bow that I feel a little more stable. Good luck!

I agree with 2weeks. You need time to adjust mentally as well as physically.

I agree with rxpayne that two weeks should be a minimum of planned time off. You are having MAJOR surgery. While most of the evidence for that will be internal, you probably won't be permitted to drive until you are two weeks PO. During the first two weeks, your body will need to eliminate all the gas that was injected during the surgery. It can take up to six months to recover from general anesthesia (although, if you are a young person, it may happen sooner). You will need to take a lot of naps in the first two weeks or so as well.

Most of all, do not think that your life will go back to being the same as it was pre-op. There are a lot of changes you will need to make--permanent changes, and it can be a steep learning curve. While books and articles can prepare you somewhat, you actually have to experiment after surgery to see what YOUR body can handle, what it likes and doesn't like. We are all different.

I'd say, take as much time off as you can afford to take. This is an important step that you are taking, and you deserve to do it as well as you are able to do. Make yourself a priority--not your employer. :)

I am taking 3 weeks off.. but I am a bus driver and think I will need to make sure my tummy is properly recovered, plus I hate my job so I don't have an issue not going in

My Surgeon recommended 2 weeks off. I took a month because I could. It was a good idea. I felt great the first week but you need a lot of time to heal
My work can get violent I didn't want something to tear things up. Taking time off just to rest up and recover is always good.

I also agree. Two weeks will give your body a little more time to adjust to the changes. However, if you decide to go back to work sooner , you might want to consider just part time for the first week.

What I recommend is 3 weeks. That is what I took (2 of them they gave me vacation) so I took an additional week off. I also have a desk job and like others mentioned you have to adjust physically as well as mentally.

I agree with everyone else - take at least 2 weeks off. Even though the surgery is "laproscopic" they are still going in and rearranging everything - so while the holes might be small your insides's won't know that! Although i wasn't in pain per say i still wasn't up to driving back and forth to work and then sitting at my desk for 8 hours a day after 1 week.

I also found that my emotions were all over the place the first 2 weeks - give your body time to heal.

This will be your time to reconnect to your body and take care of yourself!

Recovery, adjusting to a totally new routine, learning the ins and outs of eating with newly rebuilt innards, adjusting to so little food, and getting your energy back does not happen over night. I agree that a Minimum of 2 weeks would be good, and More would be even better. Getting full energy back can take up to 4-6 weeks for many people. The first few weeks you may have great energy one day and need to rest the next. Even with a desk job, you still need to be present mentally and if you are not getting your protein and water in, which most people aren't at 2 weeks, your work might suffer because your brain needs to be fed and hydrated. I had RNY and took 4 weeks off. The first 3 weeks were devoted to recovery, and the last week I went on vacation but I still rested a Lot. I say take as much as you can get!

My surgery is on Monday... dun dun dun I only took a week off. If you want I can tell you about my experience after I have it ;)

How exciting. Good luck.

I had surgery 6/18/13. I work a desk but somewhat active job. I took a week off and was fine. Depends on your pain tolerance, how fast you heal, age, etc. I was painting where I work at 2 1/2 weeks. I have been fine through out.

Don't rush things! That is one of the worst things you can do. If you don't feel you can go back - DON'T!! Good luck!

I took 3 weeks. I told my employer 2 weeks but at my follow-up surgeon visit she recommended "as much time as able", major surgery. Even though I felt fine, the 3rd week I started solid foods, new routine. It was good to have that extra week to figure things out.

My surgeon has recommended 3 weeks but I have requested 2. I go in to be cleared on a Wednesday, so I put that Monday as my return date with that Tuesday off. Getting time off right now isn't easy as they need everyone on hand so I am juggling with doing what's best for me while looking out for my team. But, when it comes down to it, this surgery is happening whether they like it or not, so they can either give me the time off that I need and welcome me back, or they can replace me. :-/