Good luck, Mike! I am actually having a mesh put in in a couple of weeks myself (I've got a hernia that Pluto could fit through). Hopefully they've improved the technology since you got yours.
I just got the Ultimate Three Stooges set for my birthday, so I'll have something to keep me busy during recovery.
Good luck, Mike, I will pray that the surgery is a success. I've had quite a few surgeries myself, and it's always a bit nerve wracking in the run-up. Just remember that if you cannot sleep the night before the surgery, don't worry about it. You don't have to do anything the day of the surgery except show up.
My dogs have relieved my stress and promoted faster recovery from various illnesses more times than I can count. I'm happy that hospitals and other health care facilities have finally realized what a great benefit they are.