You may be able to return to work within a week of your gastrectomy procedure. That said, this will depend on a few different factors. The type of work that you do is one. We want to make sure you're well enough to maintain comfort and sustained energy for your day before we clear you for work. If your job is quite strenuous, you'll most likely need more time off. Your overall healing process will also influence how much time you will need off from work and other activities. It's important that your body is allowed to heal at its own pace. Doing too much too soon could prolong the transition process, which should feel exciting and gratifying.
Surgical recovery is measured in two ways. First, we look at your return to everyday activities. Then, we look at your complete recovery. While you may be back to most of your normal activities within a week or two of surgery, your stomach will still be healing for many weeks. After about one month, you may be able to increase your level of activity to include more strenuous work and exercise.