How soon can I go back to work?

I just started a new job and although they seem very nice, I'm unsure as to how to tell them I will be having a surgery probably this summer.  I work in a law office and am mostly at a desk.  I have to lift expandable files and my office is on the second floor (stairs).  I think realistically I can go back to work after a couple of weeks.  I could use vacation for those two weeks.  

Has anyone had a similar experience?

My surgeon told me that absolutely everyone gets 6 weeks off, regardless of your job. BUT, every center, and every surgeon is different. It's not just the physical aspect of your job. It's getting a handle on your whole new lifestyle. At a few weeks post op, you won't even be on 'real' food yet, and most likely still in the pureed stage.

It all depends on how you feel most people I think go back after a month but there have been a few that have gone back after a few weeks and some go back 6 - 8 weeks. It is hard to tell you how long you will need as everyone is different I know for me at 6 weeks I was just starting to get energy back and I was off for 8 weeks.

So it will all depend on how your body feels, from the surgery and new lifestyle changes because at first you will be eating small amounts.

There are many factors to how long you will be off and no one can tell you since we are all so different and it will be your surgeon who will be able to tell you when

Here are some factors that will be taken into consideration

How you are feeling and healing

Was there any complications 

What type of job you have sit, standing, lifting, bending etc.

I am a psw so my surgeon made me stay off off for 8 weeks just because of my job.

you maybe able to go back after a few weeks but be prepare if you can't

At my centre in Ottawa, the standard is 4 weeks off. However, if you do a lot of heavy lifting or are on your feet all day, they will add a few weeks to that.

With a desk job, I expect 4 weeks would be enough. I see on the American side of the forums that many people are back at work after 1 or 2 weeks, but honestly, while I had the energy to go back around the 2-week mark, I was thankful to have the extra 2 weeks to work out vitamin and eating schedules. Definitely, the time was put to good use to adapt.

My friend is a Legal Assistant who went through HRRH, had her surgery on December 16 and was back to work on January 5.  Talk to your centre.