Bariatric Surgery Center at Highland Hospital

 

Understanding Bariatric Surgery

Going Back to Work

When will I be able to go back to work?

Most patients are back to their normal activity levels within six weeks. If you have a laparoscopic procedure, you'll probably be back even sooner—often in just three weeks.

How soon can you go back to work? That depends on:

• Your current physical condition.
  
  
• The physical demands and nature of your work—if you have the open procedure you will not be able to lift more than 20 pounds (note: some places say 10 pounds) for six weeks. (Your employer will need to tell us, in writing, if that will be a problem.)
  
  
• The type of surgery.

Disability Guidelines

Your disability coverage begins the day of surgery. And your return to work date is four weeks from then. If you want to go back to work sooner, we can release you to work anytime.

If you need a "return to work" statement, ask us at your first post-surgery visit, which will be 7-10 days after the procedure.

We will complete and mail your disability papers after your surgery. (It's against the law for us to complete the forms until after the disability occurs.)

Keep in mind that disability reviewers want a return to work date, and they don't account for weekends or your scheduled work days. Several times during your disability, they will contact our office to request your chart notes and operative reports.

Please don't ask us to give you more time for personal reasons or because you are tired or can use up some accumulated sick time. We can only extend your disability if you have complications. Even then, we will need to provide medical evidence and written documentation.

How will things be different for me at work?

Do your best to maintain appropriate dietary habits while you are at work. Teach your body to chew slowly even in the most rushed environments. Prepare and bring your own meals or at the very least, study the nutritional labels or ingredient lists of purchased food and stay away from high sugar and high fat items.

Perhaps the most difficult challenge will be adjusting to people's changed perceptions of you. The best way to manage this is to prepare yourself and your co-workers before your surgery.

• Communicate why you are having weight loss surgery. Make it clear the procedure is for health reasons and not a cosmetic choice.
  
  
• Ask for support both during and after the procedure, especially with your long-term commitment to diet and exercise.
  
  
• Lean on the network of people you meet in support groups.
  
  
• Remind people that you are still YOU no matter how much you weigh.