Oh look, I’m reviving the zombie of the zombie thread!
I have hereditary bunions on both feet (thanks Mom). I’ve been in the food service business for almost 25 years. Yeah, my feet have gone through hell.
Anyway, I had a bunionectomy back in the mid 90s where they break the big toe metatarsal and rejoin it with a hook-type thing, the end of which sticks out of the top of your foot. It rotates every time you move your foot AND OMG I STILL GET SHIVERS JUST THINKING ABOUT IT! Foot also swelled like crazy. I probably went back to work earlier than I should have because, like flatlined said upthread, I was utterly bored and ready to forge a return-to-work note myself after the second week (in all, I was probably out for month, maybe month-and-a-half. I remember I couldn’t drive for the first month and when I got the OK I took off for NH because I CAN FINALLY DRIVE YOU CAN’T STOP ME!!!)
This particular bunion has been growing back to the extent that it’s made the second toe on that foot a permanent hammertoe. The bunion on the right foot isn’t as bad, but you can tell the second toe will eventually be upended into a hammertoe like the other one. I live in sneakers because I literally cannot find shoes which fit over the hammertoe.
I had a consult with a podiatrist yesterday who recommended surgery whenever I want it. If I don’t have it, the bunion will gradually lean in even more and eventually twist the other metatarsals (it’s already doing it on my third and just starting the fourth). I’ve been compensating without realizing it by walking on the sides of my feet, which, in turn, have given me a nasty case of plantar warts hidden by some nice chunky calluses 
I was told minimum three months recovery because my big toe would have to be broken in three different places and two rods would have to be permanently inserted to keep the bone straight. She also said I could never return to my industry because I’d undo everything just by being on my feet, even part time.
I’m trying not to freak out because if that’s true, I have no idea of what I’m going to do.