How soon can I go back to work after weight loss surgery?
A very common question my team and I are asked at Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors is “How soon can I go back to work after weight loss surgery?”
Weight loss surgery, also know as bariatric surgery, can be a life-changing procedure for anyone who struggles with obesity. While the surgery itself marks a significant step towards better health, many patients often wonder about the timeline for returning to their normal routines, including work.
Factors Influencing Your Return to Work
The short answer to this important question is whenever you are comfortable doing your normal routine. And the more thorough answer is that your return to work can vary based upon a number of factors such as:
Type of Surgery: Different types of weight loss surgeries have varying recovery times. For example, for a sleeve gastrectomy, the timeframe is typically about 7-10 days after surgery. For other types such as gastric bypass and revisional gastric surgery, which are a bit more invasive, your recovery time will usually be longer.
Overall Health: Your overall health and any pre-existing medical conditions can impact your recovery time. It is essential to follow recommendations from your surgeon as well as your primary care physician.
Physical Demands of Your Job: The physical demands of your job are critically important when it comes to your return to work. If you job involves heavy lifting, strenuous activity, or long periods of standing, you may need to wait longer before returning to work.
Support System: Having a strong support system in place can also make a difference during your recovery period. Having someone to help you with daily tasks and provide emotional support can positively influence your overall recovery. Of course, we are here as well to support you throughout your weight loss surgery journey.
Our weight loss surgery patients are often pleasantly surprised at how great they feel after surgery. And with weight loss, this only improves over time.
If you have other questions regarding weight loss surgery, or want to obtain a complimentary insurance check, please fill out the form on our website. My team and I look forward to meeting you and helping you meet or exceed your weight loss and health goals.