all those questions can be answered but really it depends on the way they do surgery. When I had mine back in the early 80's it was a bikini cut and recovery was about 7 weeks. Now I understand they do it laproscopically and much less painful. I would ask the dr what procedure he will be doing. Is it a complete or partial? If it is partial you will keep your ovaries and not have to take HRT. Mine was complete and had to do the hormones. When you go home make sure to follow his instructions to the T. No lifting anything for as long as he says. I am happy to talk with you about it but you need to know really which way he is going to do it.