I second kelleysf's advice regarding a sling. You might not "need" it, but if you are dependent on public transport its a very good way of making people aware that casually bumping into you is not OK. I hate wearing mine and do anything to avoid it whenever I can, but sometimes I get paranoid that someone is going to walk into me, and when I feel like that the sling really really helps.

My personal experience leads me to suggest that you err on the side of caution when trying to plan a return from surgery. I wouldn't have been able to take care of myself when I left the hospital after my 1st/2nd rib re-sectioning. I'm 2 months out and only now am I at the point where I *might* consider returning to work (if other more recent developments weren't preventing me from doing so). My body still constantly craves rest. If I don't set an alarm, I sleep 12 hours. Every single night. I hope I don't sound like a downer. But be prepared if you can, just in case.