Never punish a dog for growling. If they lose their growl, the teeth are the next kind of warning they have. Licking can be a pleading gesture. It sounds like she is still very stressed after surgery and is in need of space. Have her checked out by a vet to be sure its nothing medical, and then look around for a behavioral trainer.

In the mean time get a tasty treat ready for when she is laying down and without making eye contact or directly approaching her, walk past and drop a treat... slowly this will translate to "Mom comes near me and I get awesome foods."

You can also kneel down about four feet away and pet her if she comes to you (dont call her over). This gives her the space to come to you or if she is feeling off, to move away. If she tenses, drop your hands and remove eye contact, until she seeks the attention.