Hi Eddie,
There is a lot I could say but I probably will forget a few things through. I can't remember exactly everything of my first surgery (It was 14 years ago) but I was in a pretty miserable condition at that time so it would not necessarily be accurate for the healing time. The one I had last year went quite well, I would say you have intense pain for a few days but this is taken care while you are at the hospital. After 2 days I was having tylenol only to give you an idea. It is sure that because my tissues had been cut once, there was probably less nerve sensitivity this time as they probably get numb afterward. Let say it takes a good 2 weeks to feel comfortable walking around after 3ish, some things still hurt like bending to get things on the floor but it's a matter of time. At week 2 I gave up on tylenol and that only could keep me pain free. It gets better rather quickly.
To give you an idea I had my surgery beginning of may, had wound complication that slowed the whole thing down but still, in July I was body boarding at the beach so it can be relatively fast!
When it comes to food, you have to give your body a little time to adapt. Certain people have restriction, personally I eat anything I want my ostomy. You don't want to try everything together, be really attentive to bring elements progressively. Technically with the ostomy, there are a few food you should avoid such as mushroom, corn, nuts, popcorn ... these are the one that comes to my mind at the moment but everyone is different some can, some can't but don't try these unless you are way sure about your digestive capacity. Other than that, for me it is a matter of quantity, I can eat a little bit of everything at the time when it comes to vegetables/fruit/whole grain fibrous things. When you are good to try these food, give yourself a chance and try them pureed or in potage at first and then small portion. For the easy food, you don't have to worry about it. Easy food being the usual white meat, bread, rice, banana, potato, and so on. If you have specific request, ask and i'll let you know.
As far as alcohol go, once again, everyone is different. You have to keep in mind that at this point your body will be adjusting. The colon is normally absorbing much of the water out of your GI tract so at first there are good chance that your output will be quite watery. Alcohol... well it can't help on that aspect so at the beginning, it is all about moderation. With time, the small bowel picks up a bit on the colon function and it gets much better with time. For me, alcohol is not a problem as long as I involve food, otherwise, cider and beer runs through me in no time and gets out as clear as it got in so do your first alcohol experiment at home where you can empty your bag at your ease if needed.
As far as physical activity go, well you will be able to walk around quite quickly... I know, this is probably not what you consider physical activity. Normally it shouldn't be before the 8 weeks post-op for any lifting and then, go progressive to avoid any complication at your surgery site.
When it comes to the bag, normally, your bag should not smell. Keep in mind, if you find it does smell, this is probably not the type of appliance for you. There are many brand and it worth trying a few to find out the one you are the more comfortable with. I don't know if you have some appointment with a stoma nurse booked at some point? To name a few brand around you have salts, convatec, hollister, coloplast. I think these are the brand you will be encountering in the states mostly but I might be wrong. So if ever they start you with some type of appliance at the hospital, keep in mind that if you don't like it, it worth looking for something more appropriate for you! Same goes for discomfort, it should not bring you discomfort. The only part a bit annoying I would say is when you eat a lot before sleeping... then the bag fills and then it can cause some annoyance as you sleep. To prevent that I avoid eating at late hours.
I would suggest you to find some waist band to hug the bag to your body. I don't always wear one but I like to do so. It is not a necessity and does not necessarily bring more security but it feels like it. I feel more comfortable that way and it allows the fact that your bag can fill a bit without having to feel like you need to rush to find a toilet to empty it.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to ask!