I have foot problems too
Surgery shouldn't be the first thing the doctor recommends. If it is, see another doctor.
They should start with an assessment of the foot including x-ray's. They should then try taping the foot to see if added support in the arch might help or possibly one of those booties for broken toes which look goofy but keep you from bending your foot.
They will probably recommend anti-inflammatories and possibly even a cortisone shot to bring down the inflammation.
They should move on to physical therapy before they get any where near suggesting surgery.
You probably won't be able to do anything too high impact for a little while, but the elliptical machine and the bike are both an option. If you don't already belong to a gym, it might be worth it to join the local Y for a couple of months to get access to the machines while your foot is recovering.
In my experience, the treadmill just aggravated my PF even if I was just walking on it, so I try to avoid them. But the Elliptical didn't bother my foot at all.
Hope you feel better soon. Foot pain is just horrible. You have my deepest sympathy.
(For the record, I had Plantar Fasciitis (PF) and then went on to develop tendinitis of the extensors and capsulitis, which is inflammation of the ligaments around the joint. In my case it was the base joints of the toes, or the ball of my foot. All on the right foot.)