After my j-pouch surgery I was ready to go back to work after 12 weeks of recovery. I am a critical care RN and push stretchers every day so my surgeon made me wait an additional 4 weeks rather than sending me back at the usual 8 week post op period. I did spend 2 weeks in the hospital post-op as I developed an ileus and needed a PICC line and TPN but once that was over I recovered quickly and was itching to get back in the saddle. I am a year and a half after j-pouch and living life to the full. Working full-time in an ER and feeling terrific.