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Sounds like you had an unusual weight loss... I gained weight b/c of the surgery and was told that: - Everybody gains 14-16 lb - It's mostly "water weight" - In principle you can just "walk it off" in 3 weeks or so. But it's a risk factor for pneumonia. So they preferred to reduce it back to...

As another data point, I wasn't rushed at Kaiser Santa Clara either. The support staff was excellent. Both occupational therapists and the PT expert had to clear me before the discharge. At the end they seem to be just waiting for my weight to get back to normal. Until the attending learned...

That's the issue with "elective" surgeries. The emergencies take precedence, so they cannot guarantee your date. It's very nice that you were rescheduled so soon!

Thanks for the perspective. It's interesting. I wonder if one can circumvent the issue through a different comparison. Would comparing data on existing patients in different INR ranges for the same protocol be a useful indication?

It depends on your conditions. Generally unlikely, but it also depends on your current fitness level. If you can walk a mile now, then I'd say very unlikely. The hospital should do an assessment of your needs before the discharge. Unlikely, but the hospital should have PT sessions with you...

I have to correct myself. Saw the study "somewhere", and the explanation (people being more tired on Friday) looked reasonable. But it's better to have a real reference (instead of my memory). From looking at Pubmed, apparently this topic has been researched a lot, with varying conclusions. For...

... and thus a "difficult patient" was born :) Not sarcastic, but it's helpful to know your background. Thanks for the story! (y)

Well, Monday is actually slightly better than Friday, as far as the surgical complications go. (Yes, there was a study on that too! :) )

For Kaiser, I got a schedule to test blood one time, a week after discharge (*). Was supposed to be done by in-home nurse visits, and there were about 4 of them (maybe about 6 were authorized). The nurses were quite good. One of them took off the stitches, they were checking on the progress...

I think it's a good question. The points from @vitdoc (about feasibility and odds of conversion to sternotomy) are relevant. The tools and techniques between the minimally-invasive access and sternotomy one are different. Which might just mean that the surgeon is much more comfortable using one...

Yes, of course. I'm not saying they don't. But being able to move around can be helpful even when there are other appointments.

I think it's an excellent advice. A bit of practice now may help later, even in the hospital. The hospital beds have rails, and there should be nurses available at all times. But a bit more "self-maneuverability" will be helpful.

Would be interesting to know what the cardiologist would expect himself. Well, at least it is still possible. AFAIK they don't like to operate on people in their 80s. Well, you have a lot more experience with OHS in general... But here are the questions I'd ask if I were you: How many mitral...

Great to hear the surgery is scheduled. AFAIK mechanical Bental should be quite safe and reliable. A week of time should be enough for the last-minute preparations. I wrote about what worked (and didn't) for me HERE. And added a pointer to the thread with a lot more information. A couple of...

Covering 8 km in under 2 hours 20 days after OHS is quite excellent! Hope you keep up the walks after your nominal recovery time is over :)

It seems grapefruit is not recommended when you are on Wellbutrin either. Although it could be a matter of dose...

The primary cause (aortic valve issue) has to be addressed now, and that's the driving factor. This is a strong enough reason not to delay the intervention. The aneurysm size you have is rather small. It's barely qualifies as an aneurysm. (Sometimes the threshold of 4.0 is used. But, as...

I think it's THIS paper. Screenshot of their Figure 2 illustrates the method. There is a pointer to the more information.

There was a writeup I remember finding. Will try to check later today, when I'm at home. Somebody figured out how to use the arms without stressing the sternum (meaning less involvement of the chest muscles). I recall a feature of keeping the elbows tucked in at the torso at all times, and just...

Thanks for the update. It makes sense. The immune system will be temporarily disrupted post-op. So they don't want any infections, especially respiratory ones. If they already gave you spirometer, you can practice with it (in moderation). That's what I would do. It helps to prepare the lungs...