Since laparoscopic tubal ligation is a surgical procedure, there will be necessary recovery time before the patient can return to work or regular activity. As such, you will likely experience pain in and around the abdomen for several days after a laparoscopic tubal ligation, as well as shoulder or back pain due to the gas used to inflate the abdomen during surgery. After the surgery, it is important that you refrain from lifting heavy objects for one week. With that in mind, you will need to take between two to seven days off work, depending on your occupation.