Oh man, you can't get a break! Although, in the big picture, this is actually minor. When patients are in recovery, they often need more time to fully wake. Vitals are taken often, and patients are all monitored closely. Shift change or no shift change, an hour is not unusual to keep visitors away.
I've had friends and family in recovery for hours before they let you in. Each patient and each surgery is handled differently. I know it's frustrating, but just know that it does give her more time to rest without extra people around.