Hi,
I really hear you on it being such a hard thing, and in so many ways I had it done a few years ago and it was and continues to be an emotionally difficult thing, if you want to pm me at all you are very welcome to and I can share what I found with you. As far as your questions, a lot of the answers depend on how they are doing the surgery. Abdominal incisions makes it a longer process for example. One of the best things I did was finding Hystersisters because everyone else there was either going through, or had been through the surgery and understood my fear and questions; and there are also answers to a lot of what you are asking. Mine was needed in connection with cancer, so while I have many deep regrets it was also essential. Thinking of you at this tough time