To the OP, I think I can share your perspective- C2 thru T2 fused, several joint replacements and trying to avoid/delay a rod in my low back. Years ago, '06ish, we drove a Defender 130 about 2k miles out west to deliver it to a dealer whom had purchased it. As part of the trade, I got a new LR3, which we in turn drove back home to NC. This was before all the body hardware mentioned above except a total knee. Point being, the ride out was almost crippling- and I have ridden near half million miles on 2 wheels, and countless cross-country trips in Defenders. The ride back was effortless- literally riding on air, not to mention the modern ergonomics/comfort afforded. And prior to the trip home we did a few trails we had done a couple years earlier in a built 90- with much laughter- as it was so 'easy' with this new stock vehicle.
Fast forward to today, and all the hardware in my body, and the bigger issue becomes the ability to crawl under and around the rig, not to mention reaching and being able to cock your head just right to visualize something needing attention, etc, etc. The sad reality, whilst I keep my built 110, it gets used less and less. However, trips continue albeit with a different perspective- and different rigs! Newer, less built, modern vehicles now provide a platform from which to explore. At some point, one has to re-evaluate the limitations that exist (which is most difficult, as I would not be so worn out had I deferred to some limits early on) with ones situation/abilities/oppurtunities, and meld them into a combination of what is attainable/doable. For me, it has taken considerable, well tremendous actually, restraint, time and re-evaluation to travel/explore via different means and level of expectations...
All the best with your surgery! I get a new hip in 2 days, one that I shattered 45 years ago, and am hoping it helps delay the low back rod a bit longer!
Cheers!!