Had a hernia repair done also, surgery was a Friday and I was okay within the week but took two weeks off. I guess it depends on your work situation. I felt because of the restrictions with eating I might feel weaker but it wasn't so bad. Glad I took the extra time off anyway.
It takes a while, it took me 3 fills. Had my surgery in July and I'm now feeling the "real" restriction"...it will happen and it's better to go slow anyway, this way you get use to eating small amounts at a slower pace.
Wow, you're lucky to have all this, I was only on the shakes for 3 weeks prior to my surgery.
I had my surgery in July 2011, didn't have my "real fill" until September...Good luck and welcome to the new you!