Returning to Work

[Jess785]

Hi all, I'm about 2 weeks out from surgery and have been making all my arrangements with work about being off, etc. I know I can't drive for 2 weeks because of the surgeon's restrictions, but how soon did any of you that had the surgery feel that you COULD return to work based on the pain, etc? And when did most of you decide to return to work? Thanks for any info! I'm self-pay and my short term disability while I'm off only pays me 60%, so I'm really anxious about how long I'll have to be out.

[overweighttoolong]

Jess,
What type of work do you do? If you have a desk job or something of that nature a lot of people can return sometime btwn 2-4 weeks depending on how you feel and how well you are eating. If you have a physical type lifting job where a lot of energy is required you may be more comfortable with a 4-6 week time frame.

[BigGeorge]

6 days for me. I have a desk job and my lifting restriction is no more than 10 lbs. I have been low energy with the strict diet. With the doctors help we are adjusting that. I drove back from the airport post surgery. Doctor had no issue with driving. Unless you have a stick shift or heavy pedals you can hurt yourself driving.

[cycleoldlady]

Hi, I've been told that can't drive for 2 weeks after, an emergency stop could really hurt but that would too if you're in passenger seat, not sure if insurance after is an issue. 6 more sleeps to go, woo hoo!

[hope4me]

I think it would be a good idea to follower your Dr. orders. Have you spoke with him about this. Usually they all say 4-6 weeks after surgery. I hope only the best for you.

[LMS]

I am in outside sales and drive around all day. They said I could drive as long as not on pain meds (duh). I had surgery Friday morning went back to work Tuesday for about 6 hrs then full time after that. (2 others had surgery with same doc same day they both went back to work on Tuesday too) Yes, I was tired when I got home from work but did not want to use all my vacation/sick time for the year.

[Laural]

I have a desk job and had plenty of sick time available. When did I feel I could have gone back to work? Seriously after week 2. I took 4 weeks off and am returning on Monday. I'm glad I did as it got me through the liquid, pureed and mashed stages of eating.

Best wishes!!

[Its_Me]

I have a desk job and I plan on staying out 4 weeks. I want to take time for me and make sure I am ready. I have an appt w/the nutrutionist at 3 weeks so I wanted to wait till after that too.

[Jess785]

I have a combo of desk work and out of office work, but my job has said they'll be really flexible with me if we need to make modifications. I'm hopeful that I'll be ready to go back pretty soon, as I'd prefer not to have to use all my sick/vacay time!