It was about 3 months before I felt comfortable trying live fire. I started carrying again before I returned to live fire, but honestly don’t remember how long after the surgery.
When you feel it is necessary to start carrying again probably depends a lot on which camp you are in - providence or destiny. Providence means the protection of God. Destiny means something that is bound to happen, or that was predicted to happen.
My cardiologist is currently watching the same valve issue you just went thru. He is suggesting I might want to go the artificial valve replacement proceedure rather than what you just went thru.