My TLIF -a minimally invasive is still a MAJOR surgery such that I would get a few opinions from another neurosurgeon. IF you go for it, I wouldn't plan on a 3 week break from work, unless you can sit and not move..with very limited walking. Also, if confirmed by another neurodoc it IS smart to seriously consider doing this surgery while your relatively young. Take it from a 3X spine surgical loser, (MRSA complicated) skier, kayaker, runner, now at 81 with post op pain..hoping MRSA is not back but something else...so I can get back on the slopes!