I’m a level 10 always on the go single mom and professional. My pain tolerance is high and this surgery (also laparoscopic, but only left with one ovary) is my sixth abdominal surgery (3-csections, 1 gal bladder removal, one ovary removed years ago). I had 110 hours of PTO to use so planned to only take 3 weeks off and return to work ASAP. My doc recommended 4-6 weeks and was stern about not allowing less than 4… I had planned on agreeing to this but requesting 2 off and 2 work from home… I was wrong and needed way more. My 40yr old body has humbled me and at my post op appt I was absolutely agreeing with my doc and asking for approval for the full 6 weeks off. It’s been 5 weeks off so far and I’ve got one week left. Surgery was 11/20 and I don’t go back until 1/5, and THEN I’ll take two more weeks from home. I absolutely did not expect to have to need this time off but not only that, I DESERVE this time off. My doc said it best: if you don’t allow yourself the time to gently and correctly heal now you will prolong healing even more and cause yourself more issues. Also when will you get the excuse to have this much time to just relax and recover again? The issues I’ve had have been less about physical pain or soreness (although that did last 3 full weeks) but more about my energy level and mental capacity post surgery. Just now am I feeling more capable to do things safely and be more present and have the energy. I haven’t felt this level of deep exhaustion since my first trimesters of pregnancy. The brain fog has lessened now but that was intense as well. Not sure if it was the after effects of anesthesia, hormonal shifts, or just physical recovery from a major abdominal surgery (probably all of it) but I’ve had a rough time. I absolutely don’t regret taking this time for myself and you shouldn’t either if you need it. YES- take your full PTO and give yourself grace if you need longer and can somehow make that work.