I need a new cat converter, suggestions?

Yes you need 2 gaskets and 02 sensor bung. It is 2 nuts and 2 bolts to take out.

would you recommend taking it to my mechanic or doing it myself? if its pretty simple and straight forward i may be able to do it

The only real problem with the swap is where it connects to the catback the bolts rust. When i did it on my car it required a torch to heat up the flange to be able to remove the bolts. If you can handle using an impact and a torch it can easily be done yourself or with the help of a friend.

So 02 bung sensor, front and rear gaskets. Is that all I need for the install? I'm going to be taking it to get installed.

This deletes the U bend right?

Front and rear gaskets and any exhaust shop can do a bung into the pipe
probably cost 50 bucks or so