I had a laparoscopy (very small incisions made in belly button and pubic hair line) about 13yrs ago. I was in a lot of pain. Stayed in bed for 1-2 days afterwards and took pain killers for at least a week. Didn't like walking around up-right very much for the first week but was ok after that from memory.

I had a C section 3 years ago. Was given pain killers the night of the c section and offered Morphine on drip the following morning but never had any. Once I was at home, I think I took panadol once and that was it. I was very lucky and had next to no pain. I was in hospital for 6 nights so got lots of rest which I think helped heaps. I was up walking around within 24hrs after the c section and felt pretty good by day 2. I had staples rather than stitches which I understand makes for a quicker recovery - not sure. My mum was prepared to stay with us for 2 weeks once I was home, but was sent home after 1 week because I could do everything normally.

The only complaint I had with a C Section is not knowing I have 'keyloids' (sp?). A common skin reaction to scaring, especially in fair skinned people. My perfectly thin and almost unnoticeable cut turned lumpy, red, itchy and permanently raised after some time and has taken 2 years to settle completely.

But, everyone is completely different.