I was told...
I was told...
...that if you want to gauge how much you've healed, look at your scar.
I started cardiac rehab two weeks post-op, but never took my heart rate above 115 for the next 12 weeks. It was mostly cardio (stationary bike or treadmill), coupled with light weights with single sets of 12.
I was given a green light to train for a marathon at the six month mark, but I didn't do that (I know, I'm a wimp). Instead, I'm now training for a marathon relay at the end of next month, 18 months post-op. My max HR is almost 10bpm HIGHER than it was before surgery (now 182), and I feel great.
For me, going nice and slow was the ticket. Your mileage may vary!