Hi Cfour--yes, I came straight home. Surgery was on a Wednesday morning and my wife drove me home on Friday afternoon. It was easy but I should caution you that I had a very good recovery and results differ. I even stopped for dinner on the way home. I did consider spending the weekend in a rehab center, but I felt good enough to go home. My recovery was really quick. And, of course, like most folks who feel good and who are frustrated, aging former athletes, I overdid it a few times. But I was back at work at day 7 or so post op, in the gym at day 13 post op, etc. But the real, full recovery and healing takes about 6 months no matter what you do.
And I'd have to agree with Calico that the anterior approach is v. good and helped for me. I had no restrictions at all and the anterior approach is a shorter procedure, I think, than posterior. I am not sure, but I think this helps.