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Well, the medical profession didn't seem to have an answer, so I would like some input from the TNFJ:

I recently had abdominal surgery. Sigmoidcolonectomy, non laproscopic, if you're interested. When I asked my doc about how soon I could resume playing the tuba. He responded "Uh, you can't carry the tuba (meaning my sousy) but you could play it if it was supported somehow, but I don't know about the breathing."

So, TNFJ: How soon can I reasonably expect to start playing the tuba after surgery like that? Thanks for the input!

You could work on your piano playing, or organizing/researching good tuba music/musicians while you recuperate. Your body will tell you what is possible. Pay attention to it.

I was in similar circumstances a good many years ago. My doctor told me that I could not pick up anything heavier than a pair of shoes. I was back up to speed in three months.

We're different in that I was more into Mens' League Softball and not so much tuba (lacking my own horn at the time).

I don't recommend you do ANYTHING until all your sutures/staples have been removed. HEAL UP.

Did you get one of those things where you're supposed to keep a little ball suspended in a tube using lung power?
If so, USE IT!! REGULARLY!!

Once you feel ready - GO SLOW - give it two good months - and follow ALL your Dr's instructions - try it and see how you feel.

Maybe consider your Euph on your first attempt?

Oh, and GOOD LUCK!!

And, by the way ...

I have a friend - a non-stop balls-to-the-wall trumpet player - that went through similar circumstances more recently.

He didn't wait. He went back to the hospital a number of times. He never quite healed up.

He's still paying for his impatience.

Choose wisely.

Listen to your body.

The only thing worse than not playing tuba for a short while is not playing tuba for good because you rushed it. Breathing and support jump to mind as well as weight. You don't actually use your diaphram (which only affects intake, not support) but muscles a little further south. They don't hand out medals for tuba playing, so what do you have to gain?

Thanks to all who have replied. As a hobbyist, I have NO desire to rush into this and cause some more permanent damage that, as pointed out, could affect a lot more than my tuba playing! The doctor was also stumped when I asked him about putting on a duty belt, but I have far more experience with that than I do playing the tuba, and don't plan to rush that, either. I have rushed back from other surgeries to my detriment (why, the world will COLLAPSE if I don't get back to work) and found out that not only did the world not even notice I was gone, or returned, but the only one looking after me is me. Fortunately, that was a knee surgery and nothing so serious as this.

So, I will vicariously play the tuba, diligently use my little breather toy, work on some other facets of music that don't have limits on them, and enjoy my 2+ months out of the game.

Ally"taking it easy"House