How long before back to work at desk job?

I was off work for 18 days.  Sedentary desk job.  Originally thought I'd be back after 11, but starting about 5 days after my surgery I was absolutely gassed for a good week+ (see anesthesia haze above).  Even after returning to work, I still worked from home a couple times that first week.

I was out for 3 weeks. It takes me a while to heal. I was slow with moving around. I have 2 desk jobs. So I literally sit the majority of the day. I would still leave early because I was exhausted before a full day. I would go home and rest. Walking is a must too because it still helps move the air out but by then its mostly gone.

I had surgery on Monday and was back to work on the following Monday. I was perfectly fine.

I was back in a week but wish I had taken a month.  Just don't do what I did and have surgery then restart your 50 hour/week job and 30/hour clinical internship seven days later.  Nnnnot one of my brighter moments...

The truth is I think that it is helpful behaviorally to take extra time if you need it.  It helps the psychological adjustment.  I was on liquids and drug reps were carting Chipotle, Red Robin, Potbelly's, Panera's all past.  I have a desk job but I deal with constant life and death decisions.  It is high stress and I could not eat.  It was very mentally hard.

Three days after surgery, my mom and I drove 798 miles home without any discomfort.