Hospital Stay

I had my surgery on a Wednesday at 10 AM. I stayed overnight and was released the next day (early afternoon). I had a no complications and was released with a On-Q medicine pump. This automatically releases medicine and had to be removed at home when it ran out of meds (it ran out Friday evening). My mom is a nurse so she helped me remove the On-Q. I never took pain meds after removing the On-Q. I wasn't in too much pain, but was just drained physically.
I had a one week follow-up with my surgeon on the following Thursday and was released to go back to work the following Monday. So I was off a total of 8 working days (12 days total including weekends). I have a desk job too but I also have to do some lifting and sometimes a lot of walking. I didn't do any lifting over 5 pounds or so that first week or so and the walking didn't bother me. I did have to make sure I got up about every hour to move about anyway just because sitting would be uncomfortable after about one hour anyway.
If you have more time to take, I would recommend a 1 1/2 to 2 weeks off barring any complications. I know that I wasn't ready to go back to work at 1 week. I was napping most of the day the first several days. The extra 5 days until the following Monday made a world of difference in my energy and comfort levels.
Best of luck with your surgery!
Sherri

I would have to add that I was exhausted after working a full day for the first couple weeks or so.

 I was in the hospital 2 nights-the night of surgery I experienced a lot of nausea from the anesthesia- my surgeon visited me that night and the next morning and said that it was normal and that the anesthesia just had to get out of my system. Taking deep breaths and walking help. I had my leak test the day after surgery and my vitals were constantly monitored-I passed the leak test and my vitals were always good and no fever. I stayed a second night( the nausea ended during the day after surgery ) and felt much better. My surgery was done robotically and I had no pain . I felt good physically when I got home but I  and had to get used to sipping water constantly andI did feel a little weak. I drove a short distane at 4 days . I also have a desk job- I took just under 3 weeks off so that I could make sure I was healed and on pureed foods , also, I found that I got tired during the day. I would say that with no pain or complications you need at least a week off to make sure your doctor clears you to return to work and that you are able to drink enough to stay hydrated . I believe it might be possible to return to work at 1 week but you will most likely appreciate 2 weeks off. Hope this helps and best wishes!

i did 2 weeks off work. That first week was kinda a blur of naps and nausea.second week I felt good but glad I had it off to adjust to new life, get house in order and have a spot to relax when I needed it