This decision regarding how soon you go back to work after weight loss surgery will need to be made by your surgeon.  He/she is best equipped to determine your return to work date since they know what procedure you had, any other health problems that you have and your recovery status.  However, in general, after a minimally invasive procedure without any complications, you will be able to return to work (with lifting restrictions for 2 weeks) within 1 week after surgery.  I recommend you take 2 weeks off after surgery so that you can adjust to your initial liquid diet in your own environment but I certainly have had people go back to work much sooner without difficulty.  Once again, it goes back to your level of preparedness, your motivation, your healing and your mental attitude.