Posterior & Anterior Lumbar Surgery: What is recovery like?

I’d like to know if anyone who has had posterior and anterior lumbar surgery, would share their prep and post-surgery experience. I’ve had 4 cervical fusions, and am finally addressing the lumbar region after 30 years. I just found out the approach, and the surgeon warns the recovery is Painful. I’d like to know from others who’ve done it, how the stomach felt and for how long. Did you get bending motion back to tie shoes, lean over while seated, clip your toe nails? I’ve experienced long recoveries before, so I’m prepared to wait a year to be normal. I just don’t want it all to be for nothing, or very little gain.