Everyone is different but being in good shape makes a big difference, I had mine 5 years ago and was back to work in 3 weeks. The first week of course is the hardest, the pain in your sternum, especially when you sneeze, cough, laugh, etc they will give you a pillow to embrace and hold your chest, and it will become your best friend the first couple of weeks. I also installed a toilet bidet seat, following someone’s recommendation, reaching back with your arm may be painful and the bidet helps. I found a comfy chair where I would rest, tried to walk as much as I could (they advise you to walk from the moment you are in ICU) . Remember that the surgeon will manhandle organs that are not meant to be touched and the body will take time to adjust to that trauma, I felt really bad at times but those moments would not last long. It will all be over before you know it, having taken care of your body will pay dividends now!!! Find a good cardiologist to follow up with, one that is an expert in aortic diseases, it makes a big difference. Wish you all the best on your surgery and recovery!!!!