Since there are a number of factors involved, it is hard to determine how difficult surgery will be. In my case, my j pouch was in for 30 years and my surgeon had to deal with many adhesions when he removed the pouch. The surgery went well even though it took a bit longer than “normal”. Leaving my j pouch in was not an option due to high grade dysplasia in the anal canal. I am now 3 years post-op and have had no trouble with adhesions.
I opted to get a BCIR (modification of a k pouch) instead of an ileostomy based on quality of life issues, and that was the best choice for me. I do not mean to imply that an ileostomy is a bad choice since other posters with them have expressed satisfaction similar to mine. It’s just nice that there are options available and there is plenty of information about them on the internet. The first several days post-op were rough (pain), but that quickly improved to where I was off pain meds when I left the hospital. My return home took 12 hours by plane (including a plane change in Atlanta) and car and I was out doing things (without lifting) after I got home. I am basically retired, but continue to do financial consulting part time from home. You will tire fairly easily following your surgery, so go easy for a while. Best of luck to you!
Bill