Thanks, @marcd2k
Three opinions said that a foraminotomy was not possible because the left hip pedacle is in the way - so it's now ALIF with posterior rods.
I know it's the fear of the unknown that's the biggest concern for any of us, so it's great to have people like you providing your own experiences as a guide to what we (I) can expect. Naturally, I trust my neurosurgeon as he operated on my spine a few years ago in an emergency bilateral microdiscectomy when the L3/L4 ruptured into my spinal canal. While he's a few years older, so am I, but he's reputable.
So, being comfortable that the surgery won't be a problem, my immediate uncertainties lie around the first week in terms of surgical pain, ablution/bathroom abilities (a liquid diet in hospital while the intestines re-settle), etc.
It's one day at a time, I suppose. But being prepared helps.