Life After Surgery: Work

You’ve met with Dr. Fass and attended your appointment with your nutritionist, and now you’re gearing up for the moment you’ve been waiting for: weight loss surgery.  Soon, you’ll walk into Dr. Fass’ office and walk out a completely new person.  You’ll have a new lease on life, and you’ll be able to experience things you’ve never been able to experience before.

This is an exciting time, but it can also bring a lot of questions along with it.  With the potential for your life to look very different, you may feel a bout of anxiety or nervousness.  Be sure to talk through your questions with your loved ones and with Dr. Fass. It will help to get your feelings out in the open before you head in for surgery.  Your family and friends will know better how to care for you post-surgery if you let them in on your thoughts beforehand.

One of the most common questions we hear is: “What will work be like for me after surgery?”  This is something most patients will face: going back to work and facing coworkers and bosses.  To be successful, there are a few quick facts you should be aware of.  The day of surgery, you’ll be up and walking around! You will be able to return to work within 4 days to a week’s time.  Be sure to rest up and take it easy in that time off!  Upon returning to work, we suggest no heavy lifting for the first month and a half.

With the sleeve style weight loss surgery, you’ll see results right away!  The weight loss is so fast that you’re likely to see a difference of 15-20 pounds, giving you more energy with which to go back to work.  Such energy will be perfect for getting into an exercise routine within a week or two of your surgery.  Once again, remember that exercise means your heart is racing and you’re sweating.  Work hard to maintain a healthy and substantial exercise routine in order to keep that weight off!

Six weeks after surgery, you will have no restrictions.  You can walk and run and lift all you can.  Take advantage of the weight loss you’ve experienced.  Exercise well and walk into work with self confidence!