Hey bro, I am a physican assistant for a group of orthopedic surgeons and we do these types of procedures all the time. In fact I personally have had my shoulder operated on. My right one most recently, about 4 months ago. I had an arthroscopic decompression with a rotator cuff repair. I should be about ready to return to the gym by the end of the year, I hope. In your situation, it is going to be at a very minimum 6 months till you are back to 100%. I am not trying to discourage you, but you will really have to rest your shoulder in order for it to heal. Even after 6 months you probably will only be lifting very light weight. This is not the type of injury that you want to push no matter how hard core of a lifter you are, cause if you do, you will be set back even farther than you are right now. Take some advice from me, I have been going crazy not being able to work out these last 4 months. I was really hoping to be able to compete in a show this spring, and now that is not even a consideration. Use this time to concentrate on your weaker body parts. I have taken up running and actually come to enjoy it. My body fat is now down under 10%. Now come the beginning of the year it is going to be time to put some serious size back on, only a little slower this time. Good luck with your surgery my friend, and let me know if I can help you out in any way.