Wow i can actually answer this question! Having just had my TT 6wks ago yesterday! Its surreal!
First thing to remember is that everyone is different and every PS has her/his own postop methods.
DRAINS?
With that said, drains stay in (if ur PS uses drains) until you're draining amounts low enough. Their purpose is to prevent seromas and infection which obviously inhibit optimal healing. btw they are usually placed in the pubic mound.
For my PS this was 30ml per day. For me this took a month . That all changed when my PS informed me that wls patients usually drain for longer because of our low calorie intake. So I upped my calories and within a week they were removed. They do not stitch up the drain holes, they close on their own. I've heard it likened to a pin cushion, the tissue just fills the space.
I didnt get a pain pump just a heaping bottle of percocet. BTW the pain is serious. when it subsides there is a tightness that replaces it.
Back to work?
I sit at a desk as well but I wasnt ready to go back for a month. I live in NYC where mass transpo is king, parking is scarce, and the term City Block was coined. I could not commute. Subway stairs are evil. The healing process is ALOT longer than most people think.
Goal Weight?
Ask your PS. I am still about 20-25 from goal and she said not to worry about losing anymore before surgery. The general wisdom is that there is a 50lb buffer in either direction. Idk if Im completely convinced, but 15lbs is small. Remember, you will lose some during the surgery. My dr removed 8lbs of extra skin. Wowzers.
If you want hundreds of play by plays of the healing process, mental and physical, visit makemeheal.com. be aware that they are also a commerce site and will try to sell u lots of stuff. Stick to the forum and photo section. also Tuckthattummy.com has good info.
@Fordgal88: I have BCBS prism (or something) it took them 2 weeks to approve (one of which was a holiday week, so really a week). My PS even threw in a mons lift!