Topic Explanation
The discussion revolves around concerns about the appropriateness of returning to work just 17 days after undergoing an ileostomy reversal surgery. The individual who initiated the topic is anxious about the recovery period, especially given a previous experience of developing a hernia two weeks after the initial stoma surgery. Additionally, there are concerns about the post-operative care and dietary management being provided in the hospital, which seems to contradict standard post-operative guidelines for ileostomy reversal, which typically recommend starting with clear liquids and gradually moving to more solid foods.

Advice and Insights from Replies
1. Concerns About Return to Work Timeline:
- Multiple participants agree that 17 days seems too soon to return to work after such a surgery, suggesting that a longer recovery period is typically needed. One person shared that their surgeon recommended 6-8 weeks off for a similar procedure.
- It is advised to discuss and possibly negotiate more time off with the employer or seek a second opinion from another doctor if the surgeon insists on a short recovery period.

2. Post-Operative Dietary Management:
- Concerns were raised about the hospital serving a full meal of solid foods just hours after surgery, which contradicts the usual dietary protocol of starting with clear liquids and gradually introducing thicker foods. This has led to confusion and worry about the appropriateness of post-operative care.
- It is suggested to speak with hospital staff, including requesting a visit from a nutritionist, to address dietary concerns and ensure proper post-operative nutrition.

3. Advocacy and Seeking Further Assistance:
- Several replies emphasize the importance of self-advocacy in the hospital setting. Suggestions include asking for detailed explanations from the surgeon, requesting surgical notes, and if necessary, speaking with a hospital case manager or patient advocate to express concerns and seek adjustments to care.
- If dissatisfaction with care continues, considering changing surgeons or consulting legal advice was also mentioned as an option.

4. Personal Experiences and Recovery Expectations:
- Personal experiences shared by others highlight the variability in recovery times and the challenges of returning to work too soon. One individual recounted their difficulty returning to work three weeks post-surgery and advised expecting a significant recovery period before resuming work responsibilities.
- The type of surgery (open vs. laparoscopic) was noted as a factor that could influence recovery time, though specific details about the surgery type in this case were not provided by the