@mbi, your walking is a great way to work on staying in your best shape leading up to surgery! Keep up the good intentions! If there is a mall nearby, consider walking there when weather is uncomfortable. May I also suggest core strengthening exercises - ask your doctor first - such as planks and bridges? I just found this link! https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/core-strength/art-20546851 I found that the PT and OT challenges were easy to do because I went to the gym and walked very regularly - the main difficulty were the machines hooked up to me. I was annoyed at the slow speed at which these activities were completed, should not have been - I just had a septal myectomy! As far as how long to stay in Rochester, EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. I was home (we drove from north of Albany NY), a week after surgery, many others were uncomfortable leaving the area so soon or were not feeling up to traveling. See how you feel after discharge instructions and actual discharge.