Joanna, try not to worry. I had my surgery on 12/20/07 and had a great experience. My post op procedures sound just like what you're going to have. I woke up in RR and was alert and had little if any pain. I was taken to my room and felt so good I had my hubby grab the phone so I could call my kids because they were so worried. I too had compression stockings on and a foley catheter in until the next day. A respiratory tech came in and showed me how to use the incentive spirometer. My morphine pump was great, I took it pretty often. I would recommend that. It hurt but not bad. I couldn't have anything to drink, just wet swabs for my mouth until I had a post op Upper GI the next day. I had a few hard days at home but all in all having kids was harder and lasted longer! I was so scared before, though, and remember feeling just like you. I thought can I take it?? What if, what if, what if....I was getting cold feet and was driving myself crazy. I prayed for a sense of calm and confidence and that helped too. You've researched this for so long and have picked skilled and caring doctors. They will take good care of you. Best of luck, you will do fine.