Really glad for you Pete! I remember when you got started.
Got the same a year ago and it was reemphasized on my second, Pete. Dr. Snyder cleared the decks.
I've been working on flexibility and strength. I didn't really feel thoroughly good flexibility until about three months ago, but we are all different and I'm sure you'll be there soon. No soreness now from stretching, just the usual tension.
Just as a marker, have been able to do palms to the ground since about seven months post second surgery. That seemed to come first. Then I worked on legs flat, spread in front, with light stretching of the legs. At about 11 months I was able to fully spread the legs, lean forward. At two years now I can do what I did before - chest to the thigh in this position. Still can't do chest to the floor, but getting closer. Kicks - can do all basic kicks into the bag, have not done wheel kicks or jumping kicks, just because it's one of those floor bags that would go flying. The real heavy duty extension kicks (axe kick, crescent kicks) I'm still not doing, but mainly because those seem the muscles that are last to loosen up.
Sounds like you're ready, Pete - give it hell, enough of this heck stuff.