What is a hysterectomy and much long does this procedure takes to heal from?

A hysterectomy includes anything from "getting your tubes tied" or disconnecting the fallopian tubes from the uterus, to the removal of the entire uterus and ovaries (like in the case of widespread reproductive cancer). Recovery and healing time depends on how extensive the procedure is, as well as how old you are and your general health (capability for your body to heal). My mother had her "tubes tied" around the age of 40 and there were only two, small incisions in her abdomen but she was in quite a bit of pain for about a week. My friend's mother, on the other hand, had nearly her entire uterus and ovaries removed due to internal bleeding. She was in her mid-fifties at the time and very sick prior to the operation...it took her about a month to six weeks to fully recover.