How bad is pain after surgery & the first month?

Just went over blood work w/dr yesterday. I started w/another dr and it's been a year so I'm waiting for the shrink to call w/appointment then they will submit everything to insurance. They approved it w/the hospital I was going to so I don't foresee any problems. Can't wait to get a real date. By July I hope. My dr makes you stay 3 days inpatient. That alone will drive me mad but he's very good and serious about his patients. Did you have to try a lot of shakes before you found a good one? I bought one, only $17 at Walmart & it's nasty. Thanks