How long should I take off from work?

I am having my surgery next Friday. I am an elementary school teacher (3rd grade). How many days should I take off. I don't want to be a baby, but I also do not want to over-do it. My principal will support whatever I need. Any suggestions?

Thank you.

I would take two weeks.  Everyone's different and you don't know how the recovery process will be.  Are you able to say you're taking a certain amount of time, and then come back earlier if you're able to?  Just a thought...

Good luck on your surgery!
~ Barbara 

I was also an elementary teacher too (2nd grade). I did get the surgery after I retired. But understanding about requirements and demands on teachers, I'd say if you take off the following week, which will give you 10 days, you'll probably be OK. I think I would have been, and I'm old! I only had the dreaded gas pains for about 3 days, and never had to take a pain pill that wasn't over the counter. But I do realize I'm one of the lucky ones. He did also remove a small hernia while in there. If you are fairly healthy, and don't have issues that might lengthen your recovery, I think 10 days will be fine. Can you lengthen it if you see mid way through that you need more?

My doctor said two weeks...I took two weeks.  I probably could have gone back a few days earlier but I had the sick time so I took it!!!  Some people go back right away.  I couldn't have done that because I was having problems with dizziness and fatigue due to low blood pressure and dehydration.  Otherwise the soreness was fine...I just felt sick.

Thank you for your feedback. I am going to plan on taking the full week off, but if I need more time I'll take it.

I would take the 21 days needed for the liquids only after surgery.