How much time did you take off before returning to work? How much did you need? My doc does surgery as an outpatient procedure with just an overnight stay. He says people have surg on Thurs an go back Mon, but he likes to see them take at least a week. But, if I fill out STD paper for work he said I would have 2 weeks off since it goes through insurance. I don't want to rush myself by going back early, but I don't want to get bored at home either. I get bored ill want to eat or will feel the pain.

I went back in 4 days. It really all depends on how surgery goes, how your body heals, and the type of work you do. I think you should put in for the time they will allow and then play it by ear.

7 days

Wow!!!

So, for those of you "choosing" when you go back, or how long you need off, ultimately isn't it up to your doctor? I mean, I have never had a major surgery, but don't they typically tell YOU when you should/can go back to work?

The surgeon gives you a time frame, but they don't make it mandatory because every patient is different. My surgeon said 3-4 weeks and at first I planned on 2 weeks and he said that would be doable. For some stupid reason I decided since my surgery was on a Wednesday that I would take that end of the week and be off for a full week after. It wasn't enough time. I ended up having to do half days my first week back. You're better off taking longer than you might need because you can always return to work sooner.

I took 2 weeks. I would have definitely taken 4 looking back. It was painful, I struggled getting my food and water in-barely got 24 ounces in daily.

Here I am, saying Im going back the week after surgery...lol I think Im different from most ppl, if I stay at home I am not going to walk and I eat alot whn I stay home sad but true...so I have to get back out there and get to work.

5 days for me, but I have a desk job and can take it very easy. I also didn't a drain, etc. Like other people have said, this one is very individual.