First of all, you will be in excellent hands at Mayo! At the bottom of all the fears and worry (you are not alone in that state of mind), is the knowledge that you will be cared for by the best in the field. Now, everyone is different, the entire experience will be scheduled for your particular needs. I had 2 days of preliminary tests and interviews (Tuesday and Wednesday), surgery on Thursday, discharge later on Tuesday (5 nights as a patient), and we drove home to upstate eastern NY Wednesday morning arriving early evening on Thursday. I was very comfortable, no pain, just slower than normal movements and care on how I maneuvered my body. We had walking tours of just about every rest area between western Wisconsin and home (if you can borrow a walker, it will save the expense of purchasing one). Many others stayed in Rochester for a few days, it all depends on how you feel and the discharge plan. The recovery takes time, you may be assigned to cardio rehab. I hope you will be as amazed as many of us were at how well you feel and at the things you are able to again in due time.

I was in the hospital for 5 days. Had my surgery on a Wednesday and discharged on Monday. Fortunately, had no postoperative complications. We ended up staying an additional 5 days in Rochester before flying home. We stayed at the Berkman Apartments- across the street from St Mary's Hospital. They informed us that they reserve about 80 units for patients from St Marys. Our 2 bedroom apartment was perfect for our needs and allowed my wife a good place to rest at night. They informed us we could stay as long as we liked as long as we kept them in the loop regarding anticipated departure date.

Regarding recovery, it depends how you define recovery. Although I had fairly pronounced fatigue for a few weeks, I can honestly say that I saw some day to day progress from the beginning. You take a few steps postop day 1 and then progress daily from there. By one week from surgery I was walking a total of 2 miles per day- divided over several relatively short walks.
Over time, I reduced the number of walks per day but increased the distance. I was advised not to return to work for 8 weeks. No driving for one month . No lifting over 10 pounds for 2 months. Coughing cause some pain for several weeks and sneezing- avoid at all costs!. I am finally able to sneeze one year our without having much pain.

Don't get discouraged during early recovery. There will be some fatigue and it will not be easy, but know that you will get stronger over time. Do everything they advise you to do. walk and then walk some more. If possible, get enrolled in a cardiac rehab program. I feel so blessed . I am nearing my 62nd birthday and can do things now that I could not do in my late 40s! I have no regrets whatsoever from having gone through this and I hope you will look back with the same perspective soon!