Sandy, I had bowel resection surgery 3 years ago. This is a major surgery and the recovery time is significant. I had an NG tube for several days afterwards and received an epidurial for pain control. Bowel function was normal afterwards and no pain involved with bowel movements.
I has in the hospital for 5 days following the surgery. I walked the halls of the hospital a lot while I had the epidurial in, getting the benefit of exercise without much pain.
I hope this info helps you and good luck with your surgery.