I'm going to share my experience with you, not to be negative, but so that just in case you go through what I did- you'll feel better knowing it happened to someone else! (I didn't feel prepared for it!) I was miserable! I had never had surgery before and I think I expected to bounce right back- and it doesn't work that way. I definitely walked to help the gas pains, which I found to be much worse that the actual pain from the surgery. The first two-three days, I had a lot of nausea and dry-heaving, which in turn made my abdomen hurt more. I was taking nausea meds, but I think it was just my stomach re-adjusting? I was tired and weak, and quickly got bored of being home, but at the same time didn't want to do much. I had to sit/sleep in a recliner for the first few days and used a heating pad because I had a lot of back pain.
As for the mental part- it is a big part of it. I stayed away from my fiance and stepson when they were eating. I just felt it was easier because after awhile I began to crave "food" as opposed to liquids. But, there's the mental part- I wasn't really hungry, just wanting the texture/taste. I also noticed that my sense of smell was hightened. Sometimes my fiance would cook something or bring me a certain flavor of drink, and it would just turn my stomach and make me nauseous.
But, as everyone said, it is worth it. "This too shall pass" is what I kept telling myself. Each day post-op gets a little better. And from other people that I talk to that are further out of surgery- it is a mental game. Adjusting to your new body, new compliments/attention, overcoming food cravings, etc. YOU CAN DO IT THOUGH! Good luck!