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Hi I am new to this site and am very happy to be here.  I am hoping some of you will let me in on how long recovery after lap-banding before you returned to work.  I know we all heal different, but I am hoping to get some sort of idea.  My date is 1 month away!!!!    As you can tell I'm a little excited.  Thanks for your help.

Lynda,

Congrats to you on your surgery date…the month will fly by. I had surgery in May of this year and had planned on two weeks off. When I went in to see my GP, she insisted I take a minimum of 4 weeks and was pushing for 6. I work with preschool age children and definitely agree that at least 4 weeks (6 would have been better). I don't know how people do it…return after a week or two but for sure we are all different so if you have flexibility in your place of employment you could add more time if you need it. Just need a Doctor's note. You don't want to pull anything or get a hernia so listen to your body.

Cheri

Hi Drake,

I was banded in May 09 and I had about 10 days off work, I work in an office so I sit all day.  I found that 10 days was fine, I felt ready to go back to work then.  I was glad I was off more than a week though, so if possible I would plan on at least 2 weeks off.  I had no complications at all, maybe I'm just lucky.  The bloating and referred gas pain (in the left shoulder, from the gas they use to expand your abdomen) hurt a lot but felt better with a heating pad. 

Who is your surgeon?  You will find that the month passes in no time at all, I can't believe I am 3 1/2 months post-op already!

Keep us posted on how you're doing and good luck with your journey.

Sylvia