Hi Betsy and welcome. I would definitely go for a dog, but take some advice from the rescue centre or vet as to what dog would best suit you. I would guess a puppy or very young dog would not be suitable, but maybe an older dog would be better suited. If it were me, I would wait until you are recovered from the surgery before bringing the dog home, and that would give you time to find the right one, and start to see how you both get on. Some rescue centres are happy to let you "foster" a dog before committing to adopt, as it is in the dogs best interest that you are suited to each other and that it·s new home is a Forever home.
Diane