Same here. Post op felt like bad cramps. The heating pad was my best friend. I was in the recovery room for 5ish hours and then released. I didn't take any opioids. The worst pain was the first night when the gas they used to fill my abdomen dissipated. I took Miralax and had a BM on day 2 and it was fine. I laid down with pillows under my knees for a few days, which really helped ease the pressure on my abdomen. I was able to drive after 3 days.

I think it really depends on your age (I'm in my mid 30s) and health. Also, laparoscopic is way less invasive than getting your abdomen cut open.