Return to 'normal' activities?

Realistically, how long should I expect to wait before feeling like myself again? My surgery is April 2, and I mentioned going to Avon the first weekend of May for a reunion with some good friends (it's about 1 1/2 hr drive).  We'll be sitting around BS'ing all day, hanging out with our kids, so it's not like we'll be doing strenous (or much) physical activity. My mom told me that she doesn't think I should plan on going because I won't feel like it.  She's basing that on how my dad felt after his surgery.   The previous weekend (April 27) will be my daughter's 4th birthday party, but my parents have already offered to do her cake and food prep, so again, not much physical labor for me to do.  I've had 2 c sections, and almost died during the second one, so it turned into a major recovery issue, but I was still driving, shopping, etc within a few weeks, certainly a month later.  Granted, I'm not expecting to run a marathon, but she's acting like I'm going to be taking it very easy for weeks! My dad was extremely sedentary before his surgery, I'm quite a bit more active now that he is, and I'm hoping that helps with my recovery.  Am I being unrealistic?  In my dreams, I'll have surgery Wednesday, come home Friday and go to church on Sunday, but even I know that's a stretch.   

Amy, I can only tell you my experience after having an open RNY in October. I was in the hospital for 8 days since I had so much swelling that I couldn't get the fluids down. After 3 days of ice chips I got to drink and come home. When I got home I felt soooo good. I had more energy than I had in years. I started cleaning my house. Then I knew that I over did it. My DH told me to slow down but I am bull headed and just knew that I was right. lol If it was me I would go on how I was feeling and if I felt like going (I would talk to the doctor too) you might want to take a bit of a walk about half through. I think it might be a good idea for your parents to do the birthday party. That might be to much to soon. I don't think you are being unrelistic at all. You are going to be surprised at how good you feel. Best wishes on the big day and we are saving a spot for you on the losers bench.

Brenda, thanks for sharing!! I definitely planned on stopping about halfway there, if nothing else, I know I'll need to pee.  My friends all know I'm having surgery, and will be totally supportive, which will be a big help.  I am having a lap RNY, and I think that may help as well.  But like you said, I plan to listen to my body and go by how *I* feel, not how my dad did. The last thing I want is to be on the far west side of Indy with my 4 & 5 year olds and get sick or have something go wrong and be so far from home!

IT DEPENDS ON IF YOU HAVE OPEN OR LAP RNY. I WAS OUT DOING THE WEEK I GOT HOME BUTI WAS MOVING SLOW AND WHEN I WENT BACK TO WORK AT 3 WEEKS I FELT AWSOME. AND HAVENT LOOKED BACK . JUST REMEMBER OT DRINK TAKE IT SLOW AND REST WHEN YOU NEED TO AND YOU SHOULD BE FINE VICKI

I had zero problems.  My surgery was on a friday and tuesday I drove to support group.  Wasmsore but was able to get around.  Do as you feel you can, you will know. E