As mentioned before, a lot depends on type of surgery, how fast you heal, etc. Your MD will have final say on when/what you can do more so than your physical therapist, as they have to follow the MD's protocols normally. Just do the exercises they tell you (don't try to be a hero and overdo it too soon), and above all, keep doing them as part of your daily/weekly routine, with increased resistance as necessary, after your actual "PT" is finished. If I were to venture a guess, the first thing you'll be allowed to do is rimfire, standing offhand on a rest that keeps your spine pretty straight. Then you could progress to larger stuff, still standing, probably with a good back brace on. Shooting from sitting will take awhile, especially from a bench without back support, as unsupported sitting puts a suprisingly large amount of strain on the discs. Not to mention hunching over a rifle. Will probably have to have someone along to do all your lifting, too. Something as simple as being seated at the bench, picking up your rifle from the rack, and bringing it across your body rotationally could ruin your whole day. And no, I did not stay at a Holiday Inn express last night, but I am a PT. Hope this helps, and get well soon!