It took at least three weeks for me to be able to sit with both cheeks on a chair. I sat with my surgical side propped up on a pillow or on a rolled towel for many weeks. I was pretty much chair(recliner) or bed bound for the first month. Once my daughters left, I ate quite a few meals standing at the counter. Eating at the dining room table was painful and took too much effort. I am glad to hear that you able to get outside and your pain is subsiding. Extra strength Tylenol works well for me.