christi, I had my surgery a long time ago and i learned that a lot of what you will be going through will all depend on your frame of mind. The pain from the surgery last about 2 days and each day will get better. Your children can help you a lot, be honest with them and tell them you will need them to really help mom out. You probably will have to wait for about 2 weeks before you can do lifting. As far as the pain pills;after the 2 day you won't need them or maybe just take motrin. Like I said don't let your mind be the devil and let you think you can't do this, you can. Walk after the surgery as soon as you can or the gas pain will really bother you. If you have to pass gas, do it, its better out than in.
Good Luck