I'm gonna be straight with you... the pain right after surgery is horrible. It was very hard to get comfortable for the first couple nights I actually regretted my decision. Your incisions won't hurt at all. The pain is all from the gas they fill you with during surgery. I recommend buying gas x strips that dissolve on your tongue and taking them with you to the hospital.
In the hospital they will have you on pain killers and fluids so you won't get dehydrated there but once you leave you will want to make sure you are drinking small amounts all day long. They don't expect you to meet your hydration goals right away so take your time. Try setting alarms on your phone to remind you to eat or drink. You will have no desire and may forget about eating all together.
As far as your animals go... they will need to stay off of you for a few weeks at least. Have them lay next to you instead. You don't want to risk opening an incision.
I am only 2 months out and have lost a little over 40 pounds. It will take time but you will definitely notice a difference. I feel like I already have a lot more energy, and don't have a double chin anymore.
Recovery isn't too bad once you get home. Just make sure to walk as much as you can both in and out of the hospital. The walking will help with the gas pain also.
I was able to sleep on my stomach about a week after surgery. Try laying on your side.
Post op diet isn't as bad as pre op because you have no appetite so you don't really feel like you're missing much. All liquids though.
You will lose some hair. I am actually going through this right now. My doctor said hair loss usually happens 3-6 months after surgery. Start taking hair skin and nail Vitamins right after surgery to help.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App