doctor says i should take 3 weeks off

i had my pre-op appointment yesterday and she told me she recommended i take 3 weeks off, i have already requested 2 weeks off from work. i have read a lot of stories on here saying that most people have felt fine after a week. i am starting to wonder if i even need the full two weeks off.

also the fact that i only have enough pto for a week instead of two is stressing me out. i am using advanced sick/personal time for the other week.

do you feel as if you needed the full two weeks? how soon did you return to work? (for reference i work in a gym as a receptionist, i sit all day and occasionally have to lift equipment but i will not be doing that obviously)