reenie— welcome to our korner! We are very supportive and informative group, Who can understand your problems and be there for you. So many people on this forum were there for me, and continue to be.I think you will do very well, as you have already endured several tough surgeries. That said everybody is different, which is one thing I think we all agree upon!
Dr. Dietz also did my surgery, in 2015 when he was still at Cleveland clinic. I was in hospital for nine days and then stayed at a hotel (because the hospital requested I do so) for two more before taking off for a friends house. I returned four weeks after the surgery to have the catheter taken out and be checked. That was a one day turn around trip, from Boston, which was a bit of a push. It Would have been good to stay in Cleveland, try my hand at the catheter insertion, with the back up of going back to the hospital the next day if necessary. But all worked out OK.
I agree with Janice: multiple chews and discuss with Dr. Dietz how much you can lift. There is always a danger of hernia, which can require a valve revision. (just had one, although cause was not lifting.)
One thing you can do to prep for the surgery is to read posts on this forum. I found them extremely helpful. Remember we are discussing problems, and not everybody experiences each of these problems. There are k poachers out there who probably have had none.
Feel free to ask questions and keep us posted please. Best wishes for your surgery. Janet