The surgical problem (and why it took three emerg visits to diagnose) was basically that the appendix wasn't where it was supposed to be, but much higher and sort of entangled in some intestine, some of which was removed with the appendix. Far from being routine, so neither will the recovery be routine. The bloating due to gas has diminished slightly (they wouldn't even put another patient in my semi-private room until the last day), but the weakness and lethargy continue.
Times like these when I thank God for family and friends...