LAVH: Recovery after LAVH vs. Exploratory Lap?

I had an exploratory pelvic laparoscopy in June and handled the surgery well--now my insurance has approved an LAVH. How has recovery differed for you after these two surgeries? I know it depends on how much the surgeon has to do, etc. and I know an LAVH is obviously more invasive than a simple exploratory lap but what differences should I expect? My LAVH is only expected to take a little longer than my surgery this summer.

Thanks for any advice--my surgery is scheduled for the 30th and I'm trying to remain stress free. So far, so good--I'm lucky to have a supportive family and a boyfriend who has flown in from out of state for my surgery.

My surgery is 12/31. I've had a laparoscopy a long time ago and my recovery was pretty quick as well. This I feel will be take a lot longer due to what's being done. Everyone heals at different rates, so yours may be quicker than mine. I'm planning on at least six weeks to really start to feel healed.

Hi!

I've had numerous laparoscopic surgeries prior to this - and this was far more invasive than any of them. I didn't have organs removed nor was I left with a large incision or had a vaginal cuff created.

I typically scheduled my surgeries on Thursday and was back to work Monday with Motrin and a heating pad. That was absolutely not the case with this surgery. I'm 10 days post-op and still dealing with bladder and bowel issues, which I never had following my laps, d&cs, ablations and vivisections. I deal with pressure and discomfort when I sleep. I'm exhausted after doing the simplest thing. I'm still dealing with gas pains. I have restrictions as far as lifting, stretching and sex.

Not the same.

laparoscopy refers to the method used, not what is being done...
So what you had was an examination of your pelvic region, during a hysterectomy you're getting organs removed... So it is vastly different!