ALIF plus Pedicle Screws - L5

My neurosurgeon had previously (13 months ago) said to me, "it's a matter of when, not if".

I saw him again on Friday, expecting the worse. I have two levels, from L4 to S1, that are bone-on-bone, with the nerve root at L5 (between L5 and S1) significantly flattened in the exit foramen. This is causing significant issues with my left leg and, since the issue is mechanical, a mechanical solution is required.

I have been given the details, but I declined theatre in 3 weeks time, opting rather for the surgery on 20 July. He will jack up the vertebrae (L5 - S1 contact) and wedge in a titanium cage interspersed with bone fragments from the bone bank. Then I will be turned over on the table, and have pedicle screws inserted on both sides locking in L5 to S1.

I believe recovery takes a while, so here I am looking for anyone else whose had an ALIF with pedacle screws, and what was their experience and recovery time (and recovery regime)?