How long after a panniculectomy can someone return to desk job? No lifting or physical activity, mainly data entry.

That varies widely. I really don't care "where" a patient is after surgery, I am more concerned with what they are and aren't doing physically. It is quite common to have a real lack of energy after surgery. You should not be driving early on so you would need a ride to work. But....do you really want to be driven to work and sit at work (knowing you need to walk frequently to reduce your risk of blood clots) and have a seat belt while in the car while you have fresh incisions and drains?Because of all this, the majority of my patients will stay home from work for at least one week.