How Do You Prepare For Surgery?

I've been pretty open this past year about my diagnosis with Chiari Malformation (prounounced: Key R ee).  I am now preparing for a surgery that will require most of 2016 for recovery.  It is anticipated that I will be out for 12 weeks.  With 7 weeks before surgery, I am trying to 'prepare' as much as I can.  But, having never been through this, I'm not sure what I'm 'preparing' for.

I'm really bad at this pre-planning thing.  When I was pregnant with my first child, I gained 100lbs...I know I know...that's an entire other story...but when I packed my hospital bag, I packed my size 4 jeans and couldn't understand why they didn't fit me.    I was young.  I have never had to stay at a hospital for anything other than childbirth, so I have no idea what to expect.  And I've never had to deal with such a lengthy recovery... 6 months to a year to heal.

So, what advice do you have for me?  Are there specific things from home I should pack?  My husband will be taking care of me and all of the kids, how do I prevent him from getting stressed and run down?  I don't even know what questions to ask.  Have you ever been through something like this?  Let me know your thoughts on our facebook page or email me at sarah.dyer@townsquaremedia.com