@susan2018, you're so wise to ask fellow Connect members questions to prepare you for surgery, what questions to ask the surgeon, post-surgical diet and even where to stay at Mayo. I'd like to bring in @marvinjsturing @dianamiracle and @dakotarunner to help answer your questions. They had the whipple procedure done at Mayo Clinic.

Susan, here are some other discussions to explore on Connect.
- Pancreatic cyst https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pancreatic-cyst/ where you can read about @bonitav's experiences
– Visiting Mayo Clinic https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/traveling-to-mayo-clinic/
– What are your accommodation recommendations when coming to Mayo? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-are-your-accommodation-recommendations-when-coming-to-mayo/

You can also contact the Mayo Clinic Concierge Services – it is a free service that you can use prior and during your visit to help you find services, such as accommodations, transportation and things to do. You can contact them by email, phone, chat or in person during business hours:

* Phone: 507-538-8438
* Live Chat: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide
* Email: concierge@mayo.edu
* Web form: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/becoming-a-patient/concierge-travel-services

They can also talk to you about how to make reservations when you don't know how long you'll be there.
Susan, Are you at Mayo Clinic Rochester?

Good morning. My pc was stage 1b - they caught it early. This is a long procedure, but they never know how extensive until they get into the patient. The duration of the surgery is based on the location and size of the tumor. Mine was pressed heavily on a bile duct and did some damage to the juncture of where the stomach meets the pancreas and where the pancreas meets the small intestine. They had to repair these junctures. As my gall bladder was diseased they opted to remove it. They were able to do this laparoscopically/robotically. Doing the surgery this way versus opening the patient up takes a bit longer under the anesthesia, but recovery time is quicker. I was in the hospital for five days after the surgery. The surgery was at st. Mary’s, so my husband stayed across the street at aspen suites. I lost quite a bit of blood and did require two transfusions during the surgery. They did give me a third transfusion day one out of surgery. As with any surgery they will monitor all vitals and pain. They gave me lots of shots every day alternating between arms and legs. They do monitor your pain level. Personally I do not like oxy products, and I requested dalotil (sp?). After two days when all it did was constipate me I switched to Tylenol and ibuprofen. I was in a little bit of pain, but tolerable, but better than being constipated. Getting up and about after is very important. They will allow your spouse to stay with you on a reclining chair or perhaps a cot if the need arises. The way one digests food does change and it will depend on how extensive the surgery is as to what one is comfortable eating. He may be on creon for every meal he eats, and we can discuss this at another time. I hope this helps you. It’s a long, hard journey, and I wish the two of you well and only good news! Feel free to ask any additional questions you may have.