Hi CJV,
My preop wasn't much. They just went over my medical history, what meds I am on and gave me some instructions. No eating after midnight the day before surgery, no asprin or ibuprophen the week before surgery (or after). Not much more was said.
I had my surgery at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, MI. I was in the hospital overnight. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. My biggest fear was having the breathing tube inserted before I was put to sleep. The anestheiologist did have to insert the tube before I was asleep, but I don't remember a thing!
I was up within a 1/2 hour of being woke up, I really had to go to the bathroom bad, and was not going to use a bed pan. It was a little hard to walk, but not a big deal.
I was not given anything to eat or drink or except for Water while in, but I didn't want anything else. I went home less than 24 hours after my surgery and did well.
The biggest advise I can give is after the surgery, make sure you drink, drink, drink. It was really hard for me to drink, and I am still struggling with it. I used to guzzle water and can't do that anymore, so I have a hard time getting enough down. I felt the effects of it too - felt like I was getting a UTI. Not fun.
I did not have to take any pain medication after I got home from the hospital. I had some pain, but it wasn't that bad. Keep a pillow around. Cover your abdomen when you have to cough, sneeze or laugh. I also slept in recliner instead of my bed for the first week. I like to sleep on my side and it hurt to do so, so the chair kept me from rolling over!
Where are you having your surgery? I was so excited about mine, everyone kept asking me if I was nervous, I wasn't -- I was just ready, ready, ready!!!
Good Luck,
Jody