I think that depends on how much they are planning to take out - if its a small area the tongue heals quickly so it shouldn't be too bad - if it's a partial or hemiglossectomy - with a rebuilt area - it's a pretty big surgery - mine was 10 hrs - but they also did a neck dissection - you need to ask them more questions - find out what they are planning to do - I'm glad the are offering you surgery - i had 2 negative biopsies - before a 3rd diagnosed me - better to be pro active than reactive. I'm 4.5 weeks out of surgery and doing well. Best of luck and let us know what is going on.