It's so nice to read that you are doing well! Yes, yes and yes, going in with the best physical condition possible does go a very long way in your recovering ability. I was told that my leg and core were extremely strong and as you stated, made the post-surgery physical movements seem almost like business as usual. Please do not overdo it, I chuckled when Debra wrote "like a man." It's interesting to read how each of us reports different accounts on our experiences. By the time there was room for me in cardio rehab, I had been going to my gym, the two owners worked in cardio rehab before becoming gym owners and had me do many things. By the time I did go 6 weeks post op, I did not need it - walking 3.1 mph easily, almost back to before surgery weights, etc. My two complications began a couple of weeks after, so be sure to listen to your body, today, tomorrow and forever.