I did not have a distal surgery but rather a Whipple but any abdominal surgery is a serious operation . My surgeon opted to do an open surgery and I am glad but many opt for Laparoscopy which less invasive. Either way, I think you need to plan for 4 week minimal and then slowly get back to full effort. REST is very beneficial to healing. I do not mean, no movement as walking is a great way to get the internal organs operating better and smoother again and it really helps to reduce abdominal pain and "gripping".