Linn County supervisor John Harris.

Linn County Supervisor John Harris expects to return to work by Oct. 1 after surgery to remove an intestinal blockage.

“It takes a lot out of you, and I don’t heal as quickly as I did 20 years ago,” Harris, 59, said Tuesday.

Harris, R-Palo, last attended a board meeting Aug. 15, before undergoing surgery at the Mayo Clinic. He said he plans to return by Oct. 1.

“I’m feeling a little bit better every day but not quite ready to resume,” said Harris, who’s recovering at home.

Harris said his latest surgery was related to last summer’s surgery for colon cancer. He said the earlier operation left scar tissue that developed into a full blockage in mid-August.

Harris said he’s stayed current on county business via email. He represents District 5, covering most of the county outside the metro area.