After my laparoscopy I wouldn't have been able to return to work the next day, even if it was light duties. For 24hrs after a general anaestetic you are not supposed to do anything involving decision making/responsible tasks. I would give yourself a few days at least, depending on the actual kind of surgery, like the other's said.

Things to consider from my post op experience:
- Air they pump in during the surgery to your abdominal cavity can remain in there a bit and rise to the shoulders after surgery. Nothing needs to be done, and it will go on it's own, but it can be very painful.
- Although they are not large, the incisions still hurt and still have stitches in them.
- The procedure will cause you your tummy to swell, which can be uncomfortable.
- Any thing found and possibly treated may lead to more pain/long recovery time, you should be aware of what this could be by asking your dr before surgery.

I don't want to put a huge downer on this, but you do need to be aware of what you may experience and need to deal with.