Hi Wendi
One thing you will discover is that any estimate of time is based on the specific experience of that one person who is not just like you. You are going to heal at your own rate so be prepared for a wide range of possible "return to normal" dates. I've seen a lot of people write thst they could not return to work for 3, 4, 6 months. I had a typical posterior approach 2 weeks ago and have already been back to work 4 days and went dancing last night for my birthday( using crutches) and been walking 2 km most days. I might be lucky but I've read of a few others were on a faster track. But the vast majority have a longer recovery and more discomfort than I had...no pain medication since the operation.
One bit of advice I read often was getting in shape before the operation and if there is any extra weight, to lose it. It makes sense but it did not have much effect in my case because I had such limited mobility on my affected side that the only exercise I was able to do was limited walking and dancing a few times a week.
Another factor in recovery time is whether you have assistance at home afterwards. Some people have a lot of trouble doing even simple tasks for a while so need help and tools like reachers and sock tools. Again, I was a little different, with no one at home to help and no access to the tools so have assumed fairly normal life right away with cooking, cleaning(ok, pretty limited cleaning) laundry and grocery shopping. I had lots of friends volunteer but did not want to put anyone out. My girlfriend got a new job while I was in the hospital that keeps her too busy to help with daily household activities and I think that contributed to my rapid return to functionality.
I've had a lot of visitors but that adds to my work by preparing snacks, drinks and entertaining them and sometimes I think it would be better to have more peace and quiet.
The results of this operation will very likely mean a better quality of your life so the high cost and moderately long recovery time, for almost all who have had it done, was worth it. The typical comment is "I wish I did it years ago". I was dreading the operation, or more specifically the long recovery time that was the average reported but overall the anticipation and excuses for putting it off was much more of a big deal than the operation and hospital stay which for me was remarkably comfortable, pain free and actually a time of relaxation and enjoying being pampered by the hospital staff.
Good luck Wendi