Returning to normal activities after surgery.

[D618]

Hi,
I am just curious how you all have found the recovery time to be after your sleeve surgery. Generally, they say no bending or lifting for about 2 weeks. Is this pretty accurate? I know they want you up and walking pretty soon after the procedure, but when can you add in a bit more strenuous activities? Like walking a dog, cleaning, and so on?
How soon can one return to work? My job is pretty sedentary, as I'm a receptionist. So, I requested 2 weeks off. I hope by then I will feel well enough to return to normal life. I am having my surgery on April 18th, but I do have some activities planned in early May that involve standing and some walking. But that will be almost 3 weeks out, so I should be alright for that.
What was your recovery like? What was the hardest part? Thanks for any advice and tips on how to make the best of the recovery and getting back to normal activities.

[Luna354]

Standing and walking is fine from day 1.
My only restriction was no lifting of anything over ten pounds for a month. I was able to do most things not long after surgery, but did tire easily. I had more stamina about a month out.

I think the more you walk, the better off you are and quicker you recover.

[Sandra3]

No heavy lifting for one month so I had to postpone a trip. My surgeon cleared me for workout at the one month post-op. But walking is fine, no limit if you are not too tired. I was exhausted for one month, I managed to walk often but the first few days was really dizzy. You just need to take it easy and listen to your body. Bending over was fine after two or three weeks.

[Donald G]

I found I was tired and slept a lot for the first week, after that my energy started coming back. By 2 weeks post op I was a ball of energy was back to the gym doing my 3 miles on the treadmill. At 6 weeks I was cleared to start using weights at the gym. Returning to a sedentary job 2 weeks post op shouldn't be any trouble baring complications. Your activities for 3 weeks post op should be ok as long as they aren't overly taxing on you. Good luck on your surgery!!

[Tamera2]

Good Morning, Standing and walking Is allowed immediately after surgery, I was walking 5-7miles a day by week 2 but some people still didn't feel good by then. When you go on Vacation You'll still have diet restrictions so you'll need to be able to have access to the kinds of food you can eat. if your driving you can bring cooler and pack food and snacks. I don't know what your doctors food schedules like but mine was like this, week 3 full liquids with cream soup, week 4 soft/puree food. Remember to keep hydrated and don't skip meals. You can probably return to work sence its sedentary but you maybe tired and find sitting to long uncomfortable, you also need to make sure your drinking your fluids while at work.
My surgeon didn't allow lifting above 10lbs for 6 weeks and nothing above 25lbs for 8weeks, No Abdominal work for 8wks, no pushing/pulling for 6wks,no strain on abdomen for 6wks. Remember your having major surgery on your abdomen and" Everyone heals different paces but not worth pushing it because if something happens it will take a lot longer. Besure to check with your surgeon and see what is post-op instructions are for activity and diet. Good Luck

[bigdogluver]

I didn't know about the 'no bendng at the waist' rule, 'cos... I won't be doing that anymore. Thanks for sharing. Good luck on your surgery, this is a great forum for information and support!

[Christie13]

I only took a week off from work and had no issues returning. I also have a sedentary job. My doctor did say that I could return to exercising within a few weeks and to just listen to how my body felt. I probably started exercising around the one month mark. I was pretty much doing everything else around a week or 10 days post op. Cleaned even in that first week....laundry and such as I have kids and I am anal retentive about how I want my laundry done. LOL.

[Sarcastic_Bard]

I have a desk job so I took two weeks off. I was tired the first week but could have gone back to work after the first week. I was able to start walking the evening of my surgery, and walked every day after that. I had to wait about 6 weeks to go back into the gym for weight lifting.