Sleeve date came through for the beginning of December. Great news, sorted, except I drive an artic for a living and now I'm sat here with two problems.
One, the depot. It's a blokey place and I don't especially want everyone knowing I'm having my stomach cut down. Do I have to tell them what the operation is? Two, how long until I'm actually back in the cab? I can't do light duties, there aren't any, it's driving or nothing. My manager wants a date and I've got no idea what to tell him.
Not on any sleep apnoea machine, checked that already before anyone asks.
Warehouse, also blokey, I told my supervisor and nobody else. He told the rota it was "a stomach op" and that was the end of it. Your manager needs to know how long you're off, not the details.
Driving a car I was back at it after a couple of weeks, but I wasn't hauling anything and my surgeon was clear the heavy stuff waited longer.
The food side is the bit I'd think about for you. Long shifts in a cab, no proper breaks some days, and you need small meals and sips all day for weeks afterwards. Desk job me struggled with that. Plan the cool bag now.
#4October 24, 2026, 8:30 pm Kev, both good questions, and Alan's right on the first. You need to tell your employer you're having an operation and roughly how long you'll be off; you don't have to say which operation unless you want to, and a fit note can simply describe recovery from surgery. In the UK you self certify for the first seven days, then you need a fit note, which the ward can usually give you on discharge if you ask.
On the second, I'd ask your surgeon for a specific date, because for a professional driver the answer depends on more than the scars. Hospital advice on driving a car varies, from about two weeks at some units to around six at others, and the test is being off strong painkillers and able to do an emergency stop without pain. Heavy lifting usually waits four to six weeks, and if your job involves coupling up, sheeting, or anything physical outside the cab, that's what will set your date. Ask too whether anything about your licence category needs checking, because professional licences have their own rules. Tracey's point matters just as much: in the first weeks you're on liquids and purées, and a long day in a cab is hard to fuel. The guide to time off work after a gastric sleeve has a section on physical jobs and planning the return that might help when you talk to your manager.
Book longer than you think and come back early if you're flying. Much easier conversation than ringing up to extend.
Saw the surgeon's nurse yesterday. She said plan on five to six weeks before full driving duties with the coupling and that, and she'll put it on the fit note. Told my manager "abdominal operation, six weeks", he said fine and asked no questions. Should have done that a fortnight ago instead of stewing.
Cool bag bought. Thanks all.
