Recovering from any surgery requires time off work. Trying to return to work too quickly can hinder the healing process and lead to setbacks in your recovery. Fortunately, most bariatric procedures are laparoscopic. Laparoscopic surgery is easier to recover from than open surgery as it uses very small incisions. The recovery time for bariatric procedures varies depending on the type of surgery and the individual.
Getting Time Off Work After Bariatric Surgery by Procedure
Less invasive procedures have a shorter recovery time than those that require more extensive work. The type of job you have also influences your recovery time. More strenuous or physically demanding jobs typically require a longer recovery period as patients have lifting restrictions following bariatric surgery. The breakdown below can help you decide how much leave to request when getting time off work after bariatric surgery.
Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the less invasive bariatric procedures. The following outlines how much time individuals typically need to take off work after gastric sleeve surgery:
- Desk jobs/ jobs that only require sitting: one to two weeks.
- Jobs that involve frequent standing and walking: two weeks.
- Fast-paced jobs: two to four weeks
- Jobs that require lifting: four to eight weeks or more. *
Gastric Plication (The WRAP)
Like the gastric sleeve, gastric plication procedures like the WRAP are less invasive, and recovery times are often shorter.
- Desk jobs/ jobs that only require sitting: one to two weeks.
- Jobs that involve frequent standing and walking: two weeks.
- Fast-paced jobs: two to four weeks
- Jobs that require lifting: four to eight weeks or more. *
Gastric Balloon
The gastric balloon is another minimally invasive option for weight loss surgery. Its average recovery times by job are as follows:
- Desk jobs/ jobs that only require sitting: one to two weeks.
- Jobs that involve frequent standing and walking: two weeks.
- Fast-paced jobs: two to four weeks
- Jobs that require lifting: four to eight weeks or more. *
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass is a more complex weight loss procedure, and individuals typically require a bit more time off work to heal fully.
- Desk jobs/ jobs that only require sitting: one to three weeks.
- Jobs that involve frequent standing and walking: two to three weeks.
- Fast-paced jobs: two to four weeks
- Jobs that require lifting: four to eight weeks or more. *
* You will need to take at least six weeks off work if your job requires you to lift more than 25 pounds.
Tips for Getting Time Off Work After Bariatric Surgery
Many insurance companies offer coverage for bariatric surgery, but getting time off work can be a different financial challenge. Some individuals may not have enough paid time off to accommodate their surgeons’ recommendations, while others may worry about losing their jobs if they take too much time off work.
Thankfully, bariatric surgery falls under the umbrella of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). FMLA safeguards your job for up to 12 weeks while you recover from surgery. However, FMLA laws don’t apply to private employers with fewer than 50 employees. As for lost wages, you can supplement your income by applying for short-term disability. The state of California requires employers to carry disability insurance. Qualifying for short-term disability benefits depends on several factors, but most bariatric patients are typically eligible.
Getting time off work after bariatric surgery is essential to the healing process. Bariatric patients usually experience a full recovery from surgery by four to six weeks post-op. Contact us to discuss which bariatric procedure is best for you and what to expect during your recovery.
