Hi Everyone!
Figured I would try and start a new group for nurses! I see alot of us are on here!!
I was sleeved 1/24 and am going back to work 2/16! I feel great! I work in Maternity so hopefully there wont be too many babies over ten pounds lol!!!!

I work in the ER, sleeved on 12/30/11 went back 1 wk later....in triage so no lifting. But all is good, just wish the weight was sliding off a bit faster. It is hard being so busy to get the fluids in at work.

i'm glad to hear you were able to go back after a week. I will have my surgery on 4/12 which is on a Thursday and i will return to work the following Thursday for 3 12 hour night shifts in labor and delivery had been debating on taking another week off but your post help decide i would be just fine with the one week.

Hi there! So glad I found this group! I am still waiting for a surgery date I am going through Kaiser and have completed all my classes and testing, just waiting for my consult I work L&D and am curious how soon I will be able to go back to work. I haven't told anyone that I am having this surgery

Hi everyone! I'vee been a RN for 29 years. My surgery is Thursday and Im planning on being back to work on 3/5. I've only told 2 coworkers and the one said " that's no fair, I have to do it the hard way". I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It totally ticked me off. No good luck or wish you well just " no fair" . and she doesn't think This is the hard way! Thanks for letting me blow off steam!

Honey I hate that response. That is want I got from my sister in law. Pissed me off. Now I am very reserved with who I tell. . Good luck! Can't wait to hear how it goes!!!

I have been a nurse for 15 years! Did ER most of it,,, just switched to Maternity last May! I had my sleeve on 1/24/12 and am back to work tonight 2/16/12 for the first shift. I do 2 12 hour overnights a week. I feel I did NOT need this much time off but my surgeon insisted on it!!!! (haha Im glad he did tho)...
I am down 29 pounds as of today!! So happy! Alot of the other nurses did not know I had the surgery and wehn I came back everyone was saying "OMG did you loose weight?" haha I havent heard those words in TWENTY years!! hehe!
Honey that reponse is horrendous! This is by NO MEANS the easy way!!!!!!! I still struggle and work hard everyday to not cheat and not eat bad foods!!!

Hi all. I am hoping to "get sleeved" in May and have been wondering how much time I will need off from work. I am a clinical nurse specialist, so I don't do as much direct patient care. However, I do help out sometimes with a lift or a turn. I do have two units that I cover and do a great deal of walking so I think I will be okay with just a week off. How long did any of you have lifting restrictions?

I am not telling anyone at work, just taking PTO and letting them think I am on vacation. Honey, I hate that response, and its part of the reason I am only telling close family about my surgery.

Well, surgery was last Thursday and went well. I still have a jp drain which is a bit uncomfortable but that's about it. Looking at return to work March5th. Just want to make sure all is healed first. dont want to get MRSA.

Hello everyone. I am a nocturnal dialysis nurse. I am hoping to be sleveed in April. I had plan on taking on two weeks.

@ maryhad2lambs I dont do lot of lifting either but I do walk a lot... Maybe I can take off 1 week.

Hi, I have been an RN for 35 years. I had surgery 1/24/12. When I spoke to my doctor about how much time to take off after surgery, I thought 1-2 weeks at the most. My surgeon insisted on 4 weeks. I am glad he did. As nurses we put everyone else first. These last 4 weeks I got to take care of myself. I feel like I was able to recuperate. If you have the time at work - take it for yourself.

I am an RN on a pediatric and post-partum floor. I am still waiting to set up a date for surgery, but I don't plan on telling anyone at work what I am doing. In my opinion, it is none of their business what I do with my life. I plan on going back after 2 weeks. I work the night shift, and they are normally asleep, so not that busy!

I am an office nurse, so not much lifting at all. My Dr. told me I would be out of work 2-3 weeks.

I'm a house supervisor, so I walk a lot, and help lift pts here and there. I am taking 1 week off.

Good luck to you all!

I was sleeved 2/14/12. I work an extremely busy and heavy telemetry floor. I go back 3/5/12 an feel I'm ready to go back. My doc originally wanted four weeks of 15 lb weight lifting restriction. Since my work won't accommodate any non working restrictions I ended up taking 3 weeks, but I definitely needed the two and a half.

Lots of good information! I also work maternity... mostly postpartum. Right now I'm doing more office type work and teaching classes. I put in for 3 weeks off but might go back early. I don't have that much sick time. I may just take it all though! It would be nice to have some time to myself!
Thanks for the help!
'

i HAD MY SLEEVE DONE ON THE 6TH AND WAS BACK TO WORK THE 7TH....i WAS TURED AS HELL, BUT i WAS THERE. nOT i AM 3 WEEKS OUT AD FEEL BETTER.

Hi everyone. I am a RN in NYC, labor and delivery, getting sleeved on April 24th. I took 2 wks off vacation but I might take an extra week ( medical leave ) just because I don't want to be too weak when I return to work. I'm excited but also afraid of what can go wrong!

Hi everyone I was sleeved on 4/12/12 and I'm doing my first night back its not been bad at all. I work a very busy labor and delivery unit and being I moving tonight has felt pretty good. The only thing that has bothered me is my stitches are tight can't wait for them to come out Saturday.

Hi all you fellow nurses.
I am planning to have surgery in Mexico with Dr Almanza. I am looking for honest feed from people who know how things should be done. I am a nurse educator on a Medical unit in Canada and am nervous with the idea of heading off to Mexico. Interested to hear what you have to say about the actual surgical experience, not just the recovery.
Thanks

Hi everyone! I am a new nurse working med-surg. Just had my sleeve on Monday 4/23/12 and have lost 10 lbs on the pre-surgery diet and now. Loving it! I plan on going back to work to work 3 12-hour shifts starting next weekend. Any advice?

RN in NICU here. I'm thinking about getting a sleeve. My coworkers don't belive I weigh as much as i do. Scrubs hide a lot.lol....l weigh more than they think. I weigh 215 and am 5-3, and BMI is 37. I have high blood pressure and am pre diabetic. I'll see the surgeon next week. I do alot of standing and walking. I was thinking of taking off at least 2 weeks. I just dont want to come back to work in pain or sick. Can you give me an idea of what to expect after surgery those first few weeks? Ive had lap chole (off 3weeks) and hysterectomy(off 6 weeks). Did fine, no problems.

My Sleeve date is 7/4/12 in Mexico, My day of Freedom! I choose out of country related to the BMI requirements in the US. My current BMI is 31. I am a FNP in private practice and plan to be back to work on 7/9/12, with a lighter patient load 15 per day? I have told close family only....

I'm having my surgery in Mexico on July 11th. I am a home health nurse, but I'm a director (stuck in an office!) and don't get to do any patient care, so I'm just taking a week off. I had a lumpectomy last August and took four days for that and had a lot of pain, but worked tnrough it. If I need more time I can take it, but I would rather use my vacation time when I'm feeling great!

I know this is an old thread, but thought I'd throw my 0.02 in . I'm in L&D and have taken the whole summer off <<backflip>>. I was sleeved 5/31....md said take at least 2, but most nurses take off 6. I had planned to take off 6 but felt well enought to go back after 2... Went for 6 week post op visit and whined, do I have to go back? (it's been nice having the whole summer off with the kiddos!). And he said I could have a couple more!!! And the best part...I'm still getting my short term disability!!! (I have no idea what my diagnosis was on my paperwork). So Monday night at 2245 I be back in the business . Oh yeah, and I'm in charge...what are they thinking??? Lol

I see this is an old thread but just in case it is still active, I have been a hospice RN for the last 18 yrs. Prior to that I worked L&D. My sleeve is scheduled for 8/28/12. I have not told anyone.. Only my husband and myself know. am planning to take a week off. I usually do not have to do too much lifting, so I am hoping that will be enough. I am very excited and, I admit, alot nervous.. Not so much about the surgery but about afterward. Getting enough fluids in, hair loss, and will I mourn the loss of food?? Food has always been a social event for me. I love going out with friends for lunch or dinner... I am sure I will adjust, but I'm not gonna lie.. it does concern me.. ( I am capable of sticking to the diet though) ..

Hi everyone
I see there is still activity here. I am having my sleeve on 9/11/12. I work as a labor and delivery nurse. For those that have worked this position....there is a lot of lifting involved. I have had negative and positive responses from my coworkers & family, mostly about having the surgery out of US. I figure the more people that know, maybe, the more they will be understanding when I tell them that I can't be lifting. I don't get short term disability because my surgery is not covered by insurance. I am hoping that this doesn't push me into going back too soon. I am also finding out that the more I tell people about my surgery, someone knows someone. And I have found some great connections. People who are willing to share their experience and give me the emotional support I will need. Did I mention that I am single??? I will need all the support I can get. I will be back.

Hi Ladies!!! Night time Labor and Delivery Nurse here!!! I am being sleeved Sept 4, 2012 and I plan to take off 1 week!! I have talked to over 3 people that went back after 1 week with no problem. I don't want people to know I had surgery, people are very negative about weight loss surgery but I have high cholesterol and I'm a Type 2 Diabetic until you know my struggle dont judge me. Can't weight to lose weight and this bad health!!

Hi, to all my nurses.

I work for a Health Plan as a Case Manager. I'm having my surgery on 09/21/12 in Mexico.
I 'm nervous to go out of the country for surgery and I have found that people haven't been that supportive. This might sound weird, but I'm kinda scared to lose weight because I have been big for so long and worried about excessive skin. Good luck to all of you who are having the surgery and please lets update each other on our progress.

Emily RN they have all kinds of weight loss cosmetic surgery that you can do afterwards!! Im only worried about being healthy afterwards!! The good look that goes along with it is extra!! Good Luck to you!!

Hi everyone..not an RN yet, but I am a surgical technologist (15 years)...hope you don't mind, but I joined the group anyway! My surgery is 10-3 and I am very worried about coming back to work, since I have to be fully released and be ready to do my job as normal. To be on the safe side, I took the entire month of October off with the help of FMLA. And, I decided to tell some key co-workers, and they all have been extremely supportive. I'm hoping my team will help me sort of 'ease' back into it. Any thoughts from you ladies/men?

I can't believe someone would actually think this was an easy route! Um..we're getting cut open and are risking our lives to...well, to save our lives! I hope you told that person to kiss your skinny ass!

Hello everyone! I'm Gloria. 37 year old ER nurse. I'm starting the 6 month stuff that my insurance requires.... so no sugery date yet. I was also wondering how long off work is needed. Gotta admit, we have a very physical job!!!!

My doc said the norm is about 2 weeks ,but because Im a nurse he told me 4 weeks..which is good because my job requires me to be able to preform CPR upon return. i work in acute care/rehab so ive been doing alot of core training at the gym now before my surgery hope it works..good luck

Hello everyone my name is Phyllis and I was just approved for the surgery. I don't have a date yet but I am totally excited. I work as an O.R nurse so now I will be on the other side of the table. I was hoping to take 4-6 weeks off. I have already lost 50lbs. any advice is welcomed

Hello everyone my name is Phyllis and I was just approved for the surgery. I don't have a date yet but I am totally excited. I work as an O.R nurse so now I will be on the other side of the table. I was hoping to take 4-6 weeks off. I have already lost 50lbs. any advice is welcomed

Hey! I'm scheduled for surgery on Monday the 22nd. I work in the critical care unit and my doctor told me two weeks to return to work, but he would grant me 3 weeks or more if needed. I'm nervous about the surgery and how working the night shift will effect my progress with weight loss.

Hi all My surgery is 12/13/2012 and i can't wait.. my surgeon told me 4 weeks out just because i am a nurse .. i dont think i will need all that time ..but who knows..

Hi all My surgery is 12/13/2012 and i can't wait.. my surgeon told me 4 weeks out just because i am a nurse .. i dont think i will need all that time ..but who knows..

Hello everyone I work as a labor and delivery nurse will start a new job as a certified nurse midwife beginning of next year no one really knows I am having the surgery except a few close friends my family not too supportive their response I should know better and just need to eat right and workout more, really I go spinning 3-4 days a week, run about 10-15 miles a week just can't get the weight off and keep adding on every year. Going for surgery with dr alamanza on 12/10/12, will have to go back to work pretty quickly due to the holidays coming quickly

Hi, I'm a theatre nurse so do ALOT of patient moving. It is a concern of mine as my planned surgery is hopefully in march. My surgeon has said that as I don't wish to disclose this to anyone at work, he will back me in saying I've had laparoscopic division of lesions filling previous laparoscopic surgery. As we have to have minimum of 4 people for patient moving - I intend to just lift the feet (which is really just like making sure they aren't dragging.
Anyway, I'm a bit nervous about the op but there is such fantastic support, tips and advice on this forum that it's given me the encouragement to go for it!!!

For those that had the sleeve and work 12 hour shifts and DID go back to work after 2 weeks or less- how was it? Did you feel weak? Were you able to get your fluids in between all the running around?
Thanks, I'm really nervous about going back when I can't even eat yet.

I will be sleeved on the 29th Jan...2 more days....I work in the ER and very worried about returning to work too soon, my doctor said I could return in 2 weeks but was able to get 4 weeks off. I am just worried with all the pushing and pulling and CPR that I might hurt myself, also worried about getting enough fluids in when we are so busy.

I am new here but I will hope someone in my shoes will know. I am a home health nurse. What this means for the most part is going in and taking vitals. drawing blood. bandages to wounds. There is NO light duty for this position as people tend to fall or need to be cleaned on the spot. I was sleeved on the 8th--how long should I stay out?

Hi all, I'm a surgical nurse, ill be having my op on Tuesday and work have insisted I have at least 4 weeks off, I'd prefer not to because of finances.. Has anyone else run into this issue with their nurse managers?

I wish I was still working on the floor I would get more exercise running around. I am the clinical manager for an insurance company. I sit 8 hrs a day. That was my downfall. I am a mental health nurse by training but I have been doing insurance for 10 yrs now. Hope to have surgery this spring.

I'm scheduled to be sleeved April 5th. I work nights on postpartum and plan to take 2 weeks off. Any suggestions on how to plan my meals when I return to work? I'm believe I will still be on a liquid or maybe a soft food diet.

I'm new to this entire site and I'm loving it. My date is May 22nd and I working in surgery. I don't think I've seen anyone else say that they work in surgery. I'm mostly worried about hydration. The reason being that we can be in cases for 2 hours or much, much, much longer. I plan on being back to work on June 3rd. So not quit a full 2 weeks.

I am a critical care nurse, have worked PRN for 16 yrs. I do not have PTO, vacation, short term disability, or any other paid time off. I was planning to have the lap band surg instead of the sleeve because it has a quicker recovery time and I can't afford to be off work. I had my first visit today with MD, and he strongly encourages that I have the sleeve. He said I could go back to work after 1 week, but I might be tired. I am pretty tough, I work a lot of overtime. I can push through being tired, but is it realistic to go back after 1 week? (I won't be working overtime!). I don't want to have complications.

My surgeon told me a week, maybe two.

I am an RN in L and D, and NICU. I had gastric sleeve on May 28, and was out exactly 3 weeks. After 10 days, I really felt I could return to work, but because of lifting restrictions, I had to wait the full 3 weeks. I had no problems returning, and have had a smooth recovery. As far as the lap band vs the sleeve, there is no way I'd have the lap band. If you do some research, you'll find that the band is not being done as much as before, and that in fact, many band patients are having revisions to sleeves (including 2 gals I work with). I'd find a way to be off work for a few weeks, and have the sleeve. Having the band just for the sake of time off work, rather than for which is better for you, may mean that maybe it's not time for either. Good luck!

I'm having Surgery on Aug. 1st, and scheduled to go back to work on Aug. 19th.

Had my surgery October 26, 2013. Back to work on October 30th with lifting restriction, and full duty on November 7th. Had absolutely no problems. Never took any pain meds. Easy to get in my protein and fluids by the day I returned to work.

6 weeks

As can tell from my screen name, I am also a nurse. My doc says 2 weeks is the usual , but I would like 3 weeks. I figure 2 weeks for healing and the third for increasing activity and adjusting to new eating patterns. That has to be harder to do with 12 shifts . Believe it or not, the companies OCC Health nurse says to tell my boss 4-6 weeks and she said if I decide to come back earlier, I'll look like a hero, lol! I have plenty of PTO time saved up for this.

Hi to all my sisters I had my surgery 8/21/13 and I am still off. There is no way I could have gone back to work yet. I have a total of 6 weeks off. My energy level is sooooo low. Hoping to make it through 5 eights a week starting in october.

Hello to all my Nursing Colleagues,
This is my third week back at work. It has been so busy on my unit I am constantly working non stop for the first five hours of my shift. I am having trouble meeting my water goals on the shifts I'm scheduled to work. I have been maintaining my energy level by eating beef sticks made by Ostrim. They are packed with protein with reduce fat and calories. I found them at Best Bariatric Surgery Diet Supplements, Bariatric Foods, Vitamins for Bariatric Eating

Hello to fellow nurses. I'm set to have surgery on the 14th and plan to be off one week. I have a job on an inpatient floor but it is very low stress, low lifting. So I think I should be fine.

I am a cna lots of lifting and some don't stand at all. How much time I wonder how much time i will have to take off

Hello to all my fellow hard working nurses out there! I will be having my sleeve sometime this June or July 2014. I work as an L&D nurse and for my fellow L&D nurses, how many weeks did you take off? I know our patient loads can vary as our assignments (laboring, PTL, OR, triage, baby nurse) and I am assuming there will be lifting restrictions after surgery. What do you suggest is the minimum to take off? And when you took time off did you apply for FMLA? I was told to take FMLA and that way my recovery time would come directly from my sick time and not PTO time. And considering that we nurse "never get sick and rarely use sick time" I have tons to burn. I agree I think it will be difficult to get fluids in, most days it can be difficult to get bathroom breaks in!

tn_sunshyne- I also do L&D and took 6 wks of FMLA. My Dr recommended a minimum of 4 wks but alowed me 6 wks on my FMLA papers and said if I was doing well he would release me in 4. After surgery I had some burning at one of the incision sites for the first 2 1/2-3 wks so I was terrified to go back in 4. I told my job that I would be off the whole 6 wks. I am soooooo glad I took those 6 wks. It help me get into a routine at the gym and focus on me. I work in the 2nd busiest unit in the country so the full 6 wks was definetaly needed for me. I suppose everyone is different, but I say if your able to take the time off, then take it! When else are you going to get a 6 wk break??? Good Luck!

Hi All Nurses
I am work on a busy inpatient surgical floor. I am actually a Bariatric nurse. My coworkers will be caring for me...weird right? We only have 1 Bariatric surgeon and I have worked with him for so many years, I wouldn't want anyone else to do it! I am taking 3 weeks off, this is his standard do to the heavy lifting ( some of our patients are 500#). I know I will need at least that much time to get into the swing of my new diet and all. I hope this group continues because I could really use some info from fellow nurses!

Hi all,
I am a charge nurse weekend nights for a very busy cardiac tele unit with a ratio of 6-1. I've read that night rns are having trouble loosing the weight and I also wondered how long before you all came back to work if nights were different from days. I'm hoping for surgery in late October early November
Thanks for the help

Hi y'all! I have been an RN for 5 years on a general med/surg floor. I do all jobs....secretary, charge nurse, floor nurse, total care, educator, preceptor, etc. I have my surgery scheduled for 8/28 and plan on taking 2 weeks off. All my coworkers and some doctors know I am having the surgery. Several other nurses I work with have had it and still refuse to tell anyone they actually had it. I know its a personal decision & I choose to let those around me know of the adventure (mainly so they would not tell me where they moved the candy drawer to)! I am so excited to do this & know I will fell a million times better. Glad to know other nurses are going through the same struggles.

Hello Nurses!!!

I am an Endoscopy RN...

I began my sleeve journey on 1/30/15, this was the day of my initial consultation. I was very impressed with the clinic. The clinic is Kim Bariatrics Institute in Colleyville, TX. (I would love to hear from some fellow KBI patients) I am working my way through all the pre surgery requirements such as EGD, cardiac clearance, sleep study etc.

Hi Nurses,
I hope this discussion is still open my name is Kiki and I have been a Psych nurse since 1987. I will be getting my sleeve 7/16/15 in Mexico my job does not offer a weight lose benefit. I work 12 hr shifts I plan on taking a week off.

Is this group still open. If not let's open it back up. There must be some other nurses out there. Come on, join in!

Hi Turtlewoman! Sorry, I have not been on here for ages. I had my sleeve over 5 years ago. I lost 65 pounds, gained back almost 40 but just relost 26 and still working on it~~~ So I am back on this page to look for some support. I feel my sleeve is still small as I can not eat a lot at one sitting but I graze during the day and make bad food choices. So I need to get back on the program~ Dee

Hello ladies! My name is Jill and I am an RN in northwest Iowa. I recently left my home health & hospice position to take a job at our local community college as the nursing simulation coordinator. I've been working on my MSN-Ed for about 3 years now- designing and running sims is not exactly what I envisioned when I decided to go back to school, but I'm really excited about the opportunity. I was sleeved the day after my last day at my hh&h job and I go full-time at the college on August 14th. I'm so grateful that everything is working out with the timing and that I'm having an easy recovery.

Looking forward to getting this group active again...as healthcare professionals I think we have a unique perspective on the whole wls process, and some specific issues to discuss as well. I'll start a topic for us: How are you reconciling your knowledge of the dangers of obesity with having become/been morbidly obese? For me, I have read lots of journal articles on how diets don't work, and am taking positive steps now to improve my health, including having sleeve surgery. I remind myself that feeling shame is unproductive and work towards a healthier mind as well as body.