Hi Matt, I am 24 years old as well, and also very healthy (well I was anyway, before all this back stuff). I am going in on the 12th for anterior/posterior lumbar fusion. I'm not too sure how similar our surgeries are, but I am going to need a week in the hospital followed by 4-6 weeks very limited movement. After my surgery I'll get on this forum and let you know what it was like (surgery) if you want.