Did you doctor say absolutely that you must have surgery? I have two bulginging disks (I can't remember which numbers) which became so herniated they were close to rupture. I had some tingling and referred pain in both hips, as well as another issue that is kind of hard to describe. I was in terrible pain. I couldn't even care for myself. I did intensive physical therapy for about 3 months which basically strengthend my core and helped to push the disks back into place and relieve the pressure.
I had to beg the doctor for physical therapy. He wanted to operate immediately. In the end, it did work and I have not had any issues since. It has been over six years. Every once in awhile I might have a little issue and I am careful about doing the movements that can trigger a problem but for the most part I have been pain free. I do have some arthritis in my spine and in my neck as well.
I would definitely see if PT is a reasonable track for you. I didn't think it would be for me but when he told me that I would probably end up herniating the disks if I became pregnant I knew that I needed to find another solution. Thankfully, it worked for me. Oh yeah, and I had a baby as well with no back pain at all during the pregnancy.