Anyone who is a nurse or work in healthcare? How long did you need off?

[Hollie22]

Hi everyone, I'm just wondering how long a nurse would need off after a gastric banding procedure? I'm starting a new job in a weeks time, I don't want to be unprofessional and have a long time off sick when I have just started. Some feedback would be lovely. I really like this forum.



Stood on scales for first time in a year 15/06/2013
Weight: 20st 10lb
THG consultation with Mr El-Hassani 29/06/2013

 

[louloumoo]

Hi.. I'm also a nurse, I plan on having 12 days off, but my Dr said a week is fine. But to avoid and restraint (mental health) or lifting.. Trouble is elective surgery isn't covered by sickness so need to take leave. I haven't told HR.. Just keeping quiet..

 

[fjsinc]

If you work for the NHS elective surgery IS covered by the sickness policy. It is treated like any other surgery. However you do need to have worked for a certain amount of time to qualify. If you have any concerns, speak to occupational health. I had a bypass, and had 11 weeks off. I work on super busy and heavy combined stroke unit, and do 12.5 hour shifts. Frankly, I had a textbook recovery, but it was a long time before my energy levels were good enough for me to perform my duties at work.
Dont underestimate how much these ops change your life, managing your intake to ensure you have enough energy is a challenge for many weeks and months. I was lucky, in that I had the full support of my matron, and we agreed early on that I would take at least 8 weeks off.

 

[Hollie22]

It's so difficult. I haven't even received a start date yet. There is a last minute slot on 6th July, I want to go for it but I'm not sure! Say I then start on 13th July, that's only a week recovery. Unless I can stall my start date, which I will do.

 

[joisthinner]

Hi, I'm a sister on an Nicu so 12 1/2 hour shifts on my feet all day but my biggest patients are about 5kgs. 10 days would have been enough for me but had two weeks. Having my band converted to a sleeve at the end of August and will be having two weeks planned sickness and more if necessary. I'll be paid sick pay. Hth

 

[muhsi1]

Hi Hollie, I am a nurse and did not have a band myself but my friend did. She also had the band done on her off days and then came back to work. She did find it difficult as one often struggles to get enough in to keep hydrated and have enough energy. I suppose the main factor would be how busy the department you work in is.
Good luck, all i know is that your profession is not kind to the body and we owe it to ourselves to put others second and ourselves first so that we can lead productive and active lives again, good luck

 

[louloumoo]

I have check my sickness policy and it clearly states that any elective/cosmetic surgery is not covered by sickness. The only surgery covered is sex change!! Random!! And I have worked for the NHS for 13 years.. Each trust may be different.

 

[fjsinc]

Must be, I've worked for three trusts (so far) and they have all paid sick leave for any absence due to surgery. But times are tough. So does that mean that only emergency surgery is covered? Incidentally, when I broached the subject with occy health, they said they don't consider bariatric surgery cosmetic.

 

[Hollie22]

Thanks for your help and replies guys. I am having the band done on 12th July (Am now a pre-opper!) I wont start my new job until end of July now so don't have to take any sickness (Just SSP off the staff bank!) Going to be a brand new start! Im so nervous though, these next 12 days are going to be tough!

 

[piglet8]

I'm a nurse and a midwife and I had 5 weeks off, biggest problem was food to be honest. My occurrence health said I needed to tolerate food before I could come back. In regard to sick leave the managers are not allowed to add you why you have surgery so I can't see how elective or non elective would be an issue. I'm due to have a tummy tuck in 4 weeks and have told them I'm having my abdominal muscles repaired following 2 large babies and back problem as a result. This is all true I'm just omitting the part where they will remove skin. No one has questioned this or asked of proof of Mon elective.

 

[Hollie22]

I'm really nervous. Do you think 17 days off is enough?!
I'm working in the acute medical unit (where patients go after a&e) it's not too much of a heavy ward compared to when I worked on the stroke unit. Doing my milk & yogurt pre op diet

 

[louloumoo]

I'm really nervous. Do you think 17 days off is enough?!
I'm working in the acute medical unit (where patients go after a&e) it's not too much of a heavy ward compared to when I worked on the stroke unit. Doing my milk & yogurt pre op diet

I think it should be enough... I have twelve days off and I work on an acute psychiatric ward... My plan is to make sure I'm working with a good team and explain that I have to avoid restraining and stuff, usually we can manage that as it doesn't happen all that often..! I'm scared to tell HR as they may say I can't work or put me in an office!! I have spoken with them on the phone but not said were about I work or what I do.. I spoke about whether it was sickness or leave.. Anyhow's it's leave if any complications then its sickness.. They deem it elective!!! Good luck and keep me updated.. I'm due the 23rd July.. 10 days to go ?