Make sure you tske your spoons to the hospital so you can practice!
A good friend of mine from Switzerland had a knee replacement early last year, and was climbing the Alps in less than three months. I visited him and hung around during and directly after the operation, and his recovery and lack of major discomfort was amaising.
If you can, email me your phone number and a time to call after the surgery...maby the next day, and I'll call and harass you!
"Bulldog"