Confiform Tableview Sorting - Formula stored as text not number

[Randy Frennette]

Hello,

I have a confiform field definition, field type formula which calculates a number of days between two dates. 

Expression: ((([entry.TimeSlot1.endDate.timestamp] - [entry.TimeSlot1.startDate.timestamp])/86400000)+1 )

However the data is stored as text, how do I store it as a number so I can sort properly in my Tableview Merger, assume this is the issue.  When I export as excel it shows value as text. 

When page loads in preview Days sorting configuration in macro is not working.  When page loads in PROD if I click Days sorting at top of table it works perfectly, just want page to load with sorting already in place instead of having to click sort. 

Thanks,

Randy