Hey OP-
I was sleeved 4 days ago. I can tell you that I woke up with very little pain... More discomfort. The best way I can explain the pain is that it feels like you have a bad stomach flu, for me, without the nausea. Keep in mind that you will probably be heavily drugged on pain and nausea medicine. I can honestly say that surgery was not what I thought. I was like you, wondering what to expect and I, unfortunately/fortunately expected the worst and was pleasantly surprised. My pain started that night but they were hunger pains; as my stomach growled it hurt. Again, nothing to vivid or intense. I stopped my pain meds the night before last and slept much better with mild discomfort and no hangover headache in the morning! You'll do great!!! Good luck with your surgery. So far I'm really happy and glad that I did it. Worth the struggle.
Jay
4 days - 16lbs