Giuliana Rancic Opens Up About Recovery: "It Was Hell"

Giuliana Rancic is feeling "great" -- just weeks after undergoing a successful double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

"I feel great considering it's been only two and a half weeks, but I still have a ways to go as far as recovery," a bubbly Giuliana told Matt Lauer this morning on "Today."

And it hasn't been easy, as Rancic admits "I knew this was going to be a tough surgery. Up until about a week and a half ago, it was hell, it was horrible."

But with her cheerleading husband, Bill Rancic, by her side, she's been making progress -- and even returned to work at E! earlier this week ... all while sharing her personal journey with her fans.

"She wanted to turn a negative into a positive," says Bill. "If you can save one life through this process, it's worth it."

Wishing them the best in 2012!