Question:
How long after Lap surgery can you go back to work and lift heavy weight?
I work for an ambulance service and trying to have Lap surgery approved to get done and don't want to miss too much work. But I lift pt's every time I go to work. — Hannah C. (posted on April 26, 2006)
April 26, 2006
You didn't say whether it is Lap RNY or LapBand- but either way you need to
follow your doctors advice. I had LapRNY and even tho' I am an RN all of my
work as a CM is desk work so I was told 1 week but he would reccomend 2-3
weeks. I just finished my first week post op and I do become tired and
usually rest for an hour in the AM and afternoon but will probably ask Dr
for a release when I see him next week. If your diet is anything like the
one my doc puts us on the first week post op is clear liquids only and now
I am on full liquids equaling about 250 calories per day- not a lot for
heavy physical activity. Again ask your doc - if you go against his advice
he could drop you from his panel of patients.
— dabby
April 26, 2006
Hannah, I suggest you take off more time than your surgeon suggests. I had
a lap sleeve gastrectomy 16 days ago and was led to believe I'd be fine for
work after 2 weeks. I am a doctor myself and I thought that should be about
right too. However I have had to cancel all my patients for this week and
I'm still not able to drive either because of pain when my tummy moves in
most directions. Hopefully I will be able to do some limited consulting
next week, but will be avoiding any gynae exams and baby deliveries for at
least another week. So I would think in your job you should allow at least
4-5 weeks off work. The lap scars are deceptively small, but there are
larger wounds in the abdominal muscles and and they use big strong sutures
to pull everything together - and I mean PULL. So good luck with your
surgery, but be kind to yourself.
— juliegoad
April 26, 2006
My surgeon said no heavy lifting for a month, even with LAP you need to
heal inside as well as outside. DONT GET OPEN SURGERY 1/3 get at least one
incisional hernia with your job hernias are likey guaranteed:( Any chance
they could move you to dispatch or have some special projects, community
outreach? perhaps visur schools with a ambulance explaing what you do and
simple safety info for kids? while your on the mend? take some classes
during recovery time? attend a convention?
— bob-haller
April 27, 2006
Hannah,
I had LAP RNY in AUg 2001. I am a CNA. I was back to work with no
restrictions after 3 weeks.... Good Luck!
— SusieBella
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