@chicken although I did not have laparoscopic the patients I have spoken with have had an overall faster recovery period in regards to incisional pain and hospital recovery; however, the long term recovery was very similar to open in that is was at least 6 months before the whole digestive system and eating returned to normal. Recovery is a very slow process with MALS and when you think about how long you live with the symptoms it is no surprise it would take a considerable amount of time to get functionality back. The biggest challenge after surgery is eating, because you don’t feel pain after eating you tend to overeat (or eat a normal meal) and your body is not use it. The best advice I can give you is to eat small frequent meals for awhile. I hope this helps! Keep asking questions!

I had lap. 2 months nausea afterwards. 10lb loss of fluid/edema within a few days of surgery, which was a good thing. 8-10 months intermittent fatigue. Surgical pain front and back (back side of MAL was more painful) on and off for 10-12 months, always exacerbated by sitting. Recovery rate improved dramatically 2 months later when I got an elevating workstation and stopped sitting altogether. Sitting too much will still bring on irritation and some mild MALS Ssymptoms. DON’T SIT! (Sorry about my shouting but it’s very important).
Full recovery of 15-20 symptoms immediately after surgery. Good luck. I wish you well!