So, I am new to this forum. I had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy in July 2010, and have lost almost 150 pounds. I decided to have a tummy tuck- mainly due to recurrent hernias and skin issues. My insurance denied, claiming an exclusion, so I was forced to private pay. My surgery was on Fruday the 3rd; and due to some complications, i had to stay overnight. Anyway, I need some love and advice. First, how long did most of you need off of work? I had a full TT with muscle repair; and a midline scar. My job requires me to be on my feet 8 hours a day: Two days out,l fro Surgery, and I can barely stand. And, I could deal with the pain- but the surgical drains are awful. How long do most people have to keep them? All in all, I have no regrets. I have never had a small belly; I've always had that extra roll on my middle- even when I was young. Also; how many of you have used Short term disability and/ or FMLA? My doc submitted the paperwork last week, but I did not know If there would be issues with approval. Anyway; as I'm laid up at the moment I thought I would reach out to soms of you who had been through it before. Thanks!Updated on 7 Feb 2012:Sorry for all the misspelled words in my first post. I will blame it on the lortab! :) For those of you wondering or in similar situations, because I'm having this surgery to treat recurrent medical issues and because it required in patient hospital care- FMLA is covering my time out of work. Also, just my own personal words of advice- surggical drains are extremely bothersome. I invested in some mens boxers briefs (In a size up from mine) to give my drain tubing a little pouch to live in. Not attractive in the least, but so much more comfortable. :)