I also had 3 step surgery, and recovery was hardest and slowest after the second step for me. My second step was open surgery, so if you will have laparoscopic surgery, recovery probably will be easier than mine. My first and final step were laparoscopic, and they were much easier. However, since they built the pouch during the second step, it still may be harder than the others despite being laparoscopic. Good luck with your surgeries.