Ankle Fracture Recommendations?

I'm a 45YO guy who ran his first (Sprint) triathlon last summer and now have the "bug." Over the past weekend, I slipped on some ice, and when falling, caught my toe and managed to turn my right foot completely under itself. Ouch! I ended up in the ER with a dislocated and fractured ankle. They "reduced" the dislocation (meaning they popped it back in place), put me in a cast, and told me to see an orthopedic surgeon within the next week. I have an appointment this Friday with an ortho surgeon recommended by my family physician.

The worst part: I had just completed Week One of my 20-week training plan to move up from a Sprint to Olympic triathlon!

Here's my concern: the orthopedic resident who set my leg told me I will likely need surgery to put screw or pins in my ankle. However, I've been told by some folks that this surgery will most likely give me a limp and uncertain ability to recover to do tri's again. They suggested I insist on treatment which involves only immobilization.

I plan to be very clear with the doc that my goal is not just to heal the injury, but to be able to return to triathlons (understanding that I'll need some physical therapy, etc.). However, I'm trying to get as much info as possible now, so that I can ask the best questions possible.

Any suggestions or experiences with this would be greatly appreciated.

Elliot