Surgery Date Oct 8th?!?

Got a call this morning from the scheduler.  She is trying to get my case moved from the 15th to the 8th at the request of the doctor.  While I keep thinking the 15th is STILL three weeks away,  the 8th is ONLY two weeks.  I guess I don't know what the big difference is between two and three weeks but it was obviously enough to send me into a little bit of a tizzy.  There is so much to do right now: pre-op physical (have to see a different provider because my clinic has no openings with this short of notice), pre-op class (on the day my OB/GYN yearly exam was scheduled), re-scheduled OB/GYN exam.  I know that doesn't seem like a lot but then there are my regular daily things to take care of and lining up care/schedules for my three kids (ages 6, 5, and 2). My husband is going to be off work for the first week but then have to go back after a week and then the third week will be off again. 

How long was your hospital stay?
What do I need to do prior to surgery? I do not have supplements or anything purchased... so what do I need?
How did you deal with preparing food for your family post-op?
How long until you were able to drive?
How did you figure out a goal weight?  Did you do this as you were losing or close to goal or did you have a number in mind prior to surgery?
How should I explain what is going on to my kids? I'm so worried about not coming home to them.  How do I deal with this?
What should I bring to the hospital?  Clothes that are best for recovery (laproscopic)?
Women: how has the DS effected your cycle? I'm irregular and just wondering if this might be better post-surgery?
What vitamin schedule are you on?  Do you just take what the doctor told you or what vitalady told you or a combo of both?
I'm on a sleeve board and really have no one there who is going thru the same surgery as I am. 
In losing weight, do you find yourself to be colder than usual?  It's not even October here and I can't stay warm... brrr.
Did you tell people before or after surgery?  What if someone asked you what was going on?  How did you handle that? 
Sorry for the barrage of questions.... just shooting them off as they come to mind.

Congratulations!

I stayed in the hospital less than 24 hours and my hubby said they let me out a day too early. He gave me better care than I was getting there though.

I didn't cook for family until I was 1 1/2 weeks out. Hubby had to do it.

I drove as soon as I was off the narcotic pain medicine but only a short distance at first.

I chose a goal weight right in the middle of normal BMI. Doc wouldn't set one, he said your body will decide.

Can't help with young kids, my kids were grown and I just told them what I was doing. I've involved my youngest son in my journey; he helped my design a graphic depicting the DS surgery. We made it look like a city subway map. It's in my profile.

I was in the hospital such a short time. I only needed a backscratcher. I wore loose sweats to and from.

You may find that you get a period immediately after your surgery.

I take Vitalady's base plan and have been tweaking according to my labs. I tried my surgeon's plan at first and it didn't work. He agreed to let me try Vitalady's plan and he loves how well I've done.

I was cold the first year as I was losing and bringing my iron labs up. Since then I'm fine.

Don't tell anyone until you are comfortable and after you have your surgery. Save yourself some grief.

 My hospital stay was 4 days.  Have someone home to help with 2yr old if they are not already in daycare.  You will not b

e able to lift the baby for 8 weeks at least.  What you can do is sit on the floor or snuggle on the sofa.

I recommend a starter pack of supplements and work on taking them as soon as you can.  it will be a challenge.  

My family took care of food themselves - they were plenty resourseful.  Cooking ahead wouldn't hurt if you have the fridge/freezer space.

I was able to drive as soon as I was off pain meds, within a week of coming home.

I based my goal weight on a normal BMI. 

My son was 11 when I had my DS, and I was very vague with him beforehand..  I told him I ws going in the hospital to fix something inside and that I expect be home by the weekend.  I would travel for work on occasion and this was a very similar schedule, so it didn't phase him.  He didn't ask for any more detail, and I only added that I would be very tired and sore for a while during the time my body was healing.  I asked DH NOT to bring him to hospital.  I was his rock, and it was important to me that he not see me at such a weakened state.  I missed him so, but it was only a few days.

I'm definitely colder post op than I ever was.

I was very open and forthcoming about my surgery and received much more positive than negative from people.