You know you'll be in my thoughts, Stretch. It goes faster and easier than you'd imagine, most of the time. Just try to let go when you get there, and let them do what they're good at until after the surgery. Then you can pick up the Watchful Eye duty again.
Consider what I said about breathing tube lip clamps, patient-controlled fentanyl, and tramadol on the way out. Each person is different, but I believe these things made it better for me. I also found that it was easier to wear their gowns, and just put a second one on backwards when I went for a stroll. Then they do all the washing and my stuff doesn't get dragged around on nasty hospital floors. Slippers should be slip-ons,as you'll not want to bend, and preferably cheap enough to throw away after you leave the hospital.
If you do wind up with the Freestyle instead of the Ross, remember that it's a phenomenally good valve setup that should last you a very long time, and provide you with excellent bloodflow.
Very best wishes,