YT, true. Probably the ethos of the constituted crew and so some extent the pressure and the sortie.
My original point however is the OP has to bear the risk, doctor's opinion or not. He knows his own body and any day-to-day limitations. I was given 4-6 weeks for post-op recovery. Until day 28 I had issues. On day 28 I felt 100%. I waited until day 42 before resuming all my activities. What could my surgeon add had I asked him.
The OP's surgeon should have given him post-op life style advice, his GP will probably know no better.