One suggestion I can make, no matter what your surgery will be is elastic shoe laces in your gym shoes. You won't need to tie them, and can slip them on without having to look at them. After spine surgery, you may not be able to move your head to look down or if you have dizziness or just don't feel well. Since I wear orthotics, I know my feet are more stable wearing my gym shoes even if it is for a short trip to the bathroom.