Recovery time is about 2 weeks, but I've known people to go back to work after just one week. I am laid off right now, but if I would have been working, I probably would have gone back in 1 week. My surgeon's instructions were 2 weeks though. He did tell me that if I had to bend a lot, then I need a full 2 weeks, because bending is difficult and he didn't want my band to slip. Once my surgeon gave me the go-a-head, I started walking and now I spend most of my exercise on my WII. My husband bought me "Dance 2" and that is so much fun. I also have WII FIT and that is fun as well. I hope you are a good candidate for the surgery. It is a slow process, at least it has been for me. My surgeon said I was not to worry though and that it takes time. Gastric Bypass people lose weight much quicker, but with the band, it takes longer to lose the weight just for the fact of how many fills will it take for it to work and keep one full. I just had my second fill. My first fill was 2 cc's and my second was 2.5 cc's. I feel fuller now and that is great, but I am still looking forward to my third fill. He asked me if I wanted to come back in 4, 6 or 8 weeks. I said 4. I am a little impatient. This has been a long process and it is not the easy way out. Well, Best Wishes to you.