How long should you take off work for surgery?

[Elijah3291]

ok, so I have been thinking, my first plan for surgery was a no go because I didn't have a job, so I couldn't apply for a medical loan, now I have a job, so maybe I can get approved.

The surgery takes about a week, 1 day before surgery, 1 day of surgery, and then after 7 days the last check up, and then traveling home.  How much recovery time would I need till I can be back on my feet and well enough for work?

My work consists of lots of walking, bending down, moving shoes around, and some lifting of my arms to pick up shoes from higher shelf's, and also some cart pushing and some lifting.

How long until you can lift your arms above your head?

and, what could I tell my boss that I needed the time off for? What kind of medical surgery would need the same amount of time off for? and the same recovery process, (telling them.. sorry I wont be able to do any lifting or stretching my arms)

[Adio]

Depending on how quickly you recover, maybe 3 weeks (including the first post-op week).  How heavy are the shoe boxes?  Do you have a step ladder for reaching the higher shelves?

I don't know what surgery would be similar to top surgery.  Are you required to give a specific reason for the time off?  Hmm...I suppose you could say gynecomastia surgery or just a surgery to remove excess tissue from your chest.  Also, perhaps a note from your surgeon would help, explaining the need for x number of weeks off and the physical restrictions once you get back to work.

[Elijah3291]

Depending on how quickly you recover, maybe 3 weeks (including the first post-op week).  How heavy are the shoe boxes?  Do you have a step ladder for reaching the higher shelves?

I don't know what surgery would be similar to top surgery.  Are you required to give a specific reason for the time off?  Hmm...I suppose you could say gynecomastia surgery or just a surgery to remove excess tissue from your chest.  Also, perhaps a note from your surgeon would help, explaining the need for x number of weeks off and the physical restrictions once you get back to work.

shoe boxes lifting on a typical day are maybe a few pounds for a stack of boxes, on some days I have to lift huge boxes full of boxes of shoes and they are maybe 30 pounds. thats when we stock new shoes. and I am not sure if I would need to give them a reason, I suppose I could tell them gynecomastia, or maybe telling them i have crooked ribs and they had to remove a set of them (i had a friend who had a rib taken out because it caused her shoulder pain)

[RyGuy]

I should think 3 weeks and the term "chest surgery" should do. Seriously, they don't need to know.

[Jigsaw]

If you are in the US, they can not ask about your medical stuff.  You don't even have to tell them what you are having done either. Can just leave it as....just medical reasons.  Surgeons would be happy to give you a paper regarding lifting etc. if you need it.  I am going to get one, if needed, from my reg. doctor since she is local and supports my choices.

[Elijah3291]

If you are in the US, they can not ask about your medical stuff.  You don't even have to tell them what you are having done either. Can just leave it as....just medical reasons.  Surgeons would be happy to give you a paper regarding lifting etc. if you need it.  I am going to get one, if needed, from my reg. doctor since she is local and supports my choices.

oh really? hm, Im just thinking I should have a reason if they casually ask, cause my bosses/coworkers are friendly and i can imagine them asking me what its for etc

[Jigsaw]

I understand, i have co-workers i have known for a while. Only one asked, and i just said chest surgery due to cancer.   It is cancer prevention for me since there is a lot of cancer in my family (as well as moving me towards total transtion) and I have already lost both my parents due to it.  Nobody questions it further.   Gender does not matter when it comes to cancer.

[Elijah3291]

I wouldn't want to say its something as big as cancer, then i would feel like that guy on Seinfeld who faked cancer lol, and i dont want everyone treating me with pity.

[Tay]

I said surgery for "something private" and made a face and everyone assumed it was for something in the trouser department and never asked again. Don't go back to work until you feel more than ready, I went back too early, my chest swelled up again and I had to take an extra three weeks off.

[Arch]

Your surgeon will have specific guidelines about how much you can lift and when. Talk to your doc.