Everyone is different; but I had my operation on a Friday morning (3/18/2011) and was back to work Monday morning; I work in an office (have to climb stairs) and worked 10 hours that day with no problems-and have not missed a day since.
For me I think the key was walking. The hospital where I had my operation makes you stay over night- and they have you walk as soon as possible after surgery. I had heard that walking helps break-up the gas from surgery-so every time I woke up that night I walked and the next morning before coming home I walked all over the halls. I had no gas pain and felt great-only ever took a tylenol for pain. Just listen to your body.
Hope this helps. :-)
jlwoodruff82 got a reaction from down in the dumps in How much time off work