How long off work for DaVinci?

My surgery date is scheduled for 8/13/12 and the hope is that the surgeon can do the surgery via DaVinci. He told me based on the size of my fibroids and my slender frame that it's about a 50/50 chance and he may need to open me up (vertical incision most likely there go the bikini-wearing days). At any rate, he's been telling me all along to expect 6 weeks off work and to tell my employer that.

So today I'm working with H/R on getting my FMLA stuff all set up and she says the FMLA paperwork from the doctor says I'll be off 2-4 weeks. A friend of mine just had DaVinci surgery and said it took her the entire 6 weeks to get her strength back and feel well enough to go to work. I'm worried now that I'll be forced back to work way too soon because I have to go by the FMLA paperwork and that I'll overdo and affect my recovery. I am also raising my hyperactive 2-year-old grandson who will be in daycare during the day but who doesn't give us much rest time during the evening so I'm already exhausted before the surgery.

Anyone have advice here? It is a desk job but I'm a department director so it's high-stress. Perhaps I should have posted to the post-op ladies, but since I'm not yet post-op I'm posting here.

Call your doctor and ask why he only approved 2-4 weeks. Not in an angry way, just curious.

Many times that doctors will say one thing, but then do another later based on:
1.Type of surgery

2. Method of surgery

3. What was actually done..more surgery than anticipated, etc.

4. Healing time needed (check up before you go back to work).

5. How the patient feels.

6. What type of job do you have....teacher, secretary, construction worker, welder, military, nurse, doctor, food server, etc.


Some employers are understanding, others are not.

I went back within 3 1/2 weeks.
I am a teacher, and my principal was understanding, but the department manager of my school kept calling me to come back.

Some women have gotten fired.
It shouldn't be, but it happens.
Some employers are just picky and don't want the hassle of waiting for you.
Other employers are fantastic.

It is your decision.
My doctor had no problem writing me off for more time, if I had wanted it.
I wish I took at least 5 weeks off.

I was not ready at 3 1/2 weeks, but I managed.

I am 15 days post op...went for follow up appt today. Dr says everything looks real good but he advises 5 Weeks off for me due to severe endo that had adhered to other organs in my abdomen...surgery took 6 hours instead of the expected 2.5! I overall feel pretty good..occasional pain and tire very easily...so I am gonna sit back, relax and try to enjoy some of my time off! Good luck to you!

I'm a high school teacher and will be returning to work tomorrow at 13 days postop. I still get tired and a little achy if I do too much during the day but I think (hope) I'll manage ok.

Not everyone is the same. My husband's secretary had a davinci 2 yrs ago and she took off 6 wks.

Even if you have on your initial paperwork, if you have to be out longer than the 2-4 wks, you can often amend it if the dr warrants a longer time off.

I am expected to be off 3 or 4 weeks but my fmla leave is set for 6 & the doctor has 2 weeks after surgery to fill out the paperwork - my employer/insurance did not want the paperwork beforehand in case something did not go as planned. But I do agree w/ Suziq55 & ask your doctor.