Colleen
What type of surgery is he getting? I'm going to speak for lapband here: What I would have is GasX handy (chewable), liquid tylenol, get his pain meds filled as soon as you can, you might even want to ask the doctor for them a day before surgery so you can get it filled. This way you don't have to drive all over the place when your bringing him home. By the time they gave me my last pain meds to the time I got home, I was in ALOT of pain, so I wish I had gotten the meds or at least had the doctor give me the pain meds right before I left the hospital.
Do you have a recliner? he might want to sleep in that for a while. Have lots of clear liquids for him to drink, gadorade, non-carbonated drinks, ice pops with no chunks of fruit in it, broth. He HAS to learn to take small small sips, teeny... so maybe give him his stuff in a shot glass or something similar. He needs to pay attention to his liquids, he needs to make sure he's drinking enough to keep him hydrated. Also tell him NO exercise or lifting things until his doctor says he can at his 6 week follow-up... very important. The first few weeks is about healing and not weight loss, so when he gets to mushy or solid foods... EAT! The band doesn't work without fills. Once he gets the fills, he'll be able to eat less and lose weight. Follow all the doctors rules... no if's and's or but's !!
Your three daughters are in school, right, so I don't think you'll need to ship them off anywhere, and the little one should be easy.
Good luck !!!
New suggestions...
I had my boss and the children I work with prepared for my 4 weeks off.
