You can make your air travel experience more pleasant by following this advice:
1. Get an aisle seat on the plane so you can get to the rest room or go for a walk easily.
2. Travel with a companion who knows what you have been through.
3. Travel lightly. Heavy bags are a nuisance. The more bags you carry the more difficult is the security check and the longer the delays. This may not be a problem before surgery but afterwards you will want a speedy transfer to the departure lounge.
4. Tell the airline you have had surgery. They may help with wheelchairs etc.
5. Wear loose and easy clothes that you can wash in your room or even on the plane.
6. Consider joining an airline "club" like the American Airline Admiral's club. The extra cost will allow you to use nicer airport facilities while waiting for your flight. But make certain that the "club" is available in the airport you are using!
7. It may be worthwhile to upgrade to First or Business Class.