Any advice on dental implants from personal experience?

I am having my first implant done this summer (oh joy). I am particularly concerned with how much pain I will feel after and also how soon I will be able to fly comfortably because I am trying to plan a trip. Would about 10 days later be fine or should I wait longer? Also, the surgeon said I will need to chew on one side for about 3 months – how hard is that to do?

Thanks. Again, I can do my own research so don’t want links, just experiences.