I returned to work two days post surgery for 5 hours of meetings(sitting) and a short class(walking and standing) I was quite uncomfortable. I returned full time 1 week post surgery 8-10 hours per day with a combination of sitting, walking and standing. Although I was exhausted by days end I had no trouble getting thru my days. If you can I would recommend you take at least a week away from work. You are recovering from surgery, taking in fewer calories, increasing your exercise and adjusting to all those changes in the privacy of your home is much easier than under the watchful eyes of your co-workers. I will be 2 weeks post surgery on Monday and I feel fantastic--can't wait to advance my diet--I'm craving poached salmon.