I may be echoing several surprises others had. I was most surprised with:
-the lack of pain. I thought it would hurt much worse than my shoulder surgeries. I was wrong! It was uncomfortable and I couldn't use my arms to support me; but, I didn't have much pain.
-I absolutely freaked out when I woke-up and couldn't breathe because of the breathing tube! I fought the breathing tube and, as they were attempting to adjust it, I bit it as hard as I could. The care team eventually just removed it as I was a "fast track" to have it removed anyway.
-The level of "blues" or depression I had weeks after the procedure. I had a trouble-free procedure and an excellent post-surgical prognosis; but, I still had a fog that settled over me. I was able to visit with my doctor and get some help with this and feel very good mentally months after the surgery.