ask your PT dude wtf

Bent at the waist isn't going to fuck his back up..it stays neutral

I'd start with bent knees however

From an upright position I can bend like 25°.
I should have specified most workouts will be from a lie down position.

I only visit my PT 2 times a week, figured someone here would have an idea, as of thus far this sub-forum sucks.

it's primarily filled with healthy people who lift a significant more amount of weight than you're capable of currently

Sorry to let you down

FYI two of the exercises I mentioned are laying down

That's not how it really works man. You're way better off asking your pt because he's the one that's been treating you and knows what you can and can't do. There can be a thousand different variables in your situation based on your posture, other health problems, condition before the fusion, etc.

Most people here have no idea how to treat injuries, especially something as serious as a spinal fusion. What may work for one person with an L4-L5 fusion might not work for you.

From my time spent in the clinic, I can say that you don't want to do more than you actually can. Especially when it comes to your spinal health.

Make your arms so big that you have to hire a helper to wipe your ass.

Until you're cleared to do anything, you should only be taking advice from your pt

core strength without bending or twisting?

planks?

do what the pt has you do multiple times a week even when not at pt

thats what i did