Has anyone had bypass surgery (heart)?

My dad (76 yrs old) otherwise quite healthy, has just been diagnosed with several blocked arteries, but no damage to the heart. He was given a few options, the one with the best outcome being bypass surgery. Of course, we all know, this entails splitting open his chest. Who wouldn't be terrified. I know its a procedure that is being done more and more with greater success, but want to know what to say to him to ease him (if possible) thru this. What is the recovery period like, and how long? Both my parents have a cruise booked for July, I would sure like to see them go on it.
I need comforting too.

my uncle just had it done he was 77 and it is amazing what doctor's can do now an days he was released 10 days later and doing fine, to be honest with you the recovery is up to the person every 1 is different and half the battle of coming threw the surgery is the persons outlook and there will to live i know from my father who has had 5 major surgery's all pertaining to his heart and the doctors say he shouldn't be alive but it's his will that has kept him going. i no your scared and i do know how you feel but try to stay strong not just for your dad but your mother too, she needs some 1 whom she can rely upon. i will keep you and your mom&dad in prayer,all i can say to you to help confort you is give it to god let him help you threw this time for threw him all things are possiable

he will live alot longer if he has it done.if not he could have a heart attact at anytime.my brother had it done and he was sitting in a chair the next day.your in the hospital around 5 days.around 6 months to recover fully.tell him they do this daily all over,i know i would be scared to.i wish him the best of luck!
p.s. when you see him after the surgery he will look kinda hooked up to alot of stuff but don't worry there will always be a doctor and nurse there till he gets put into a regular room.he will be o.k. im pretty sure.good luck to you to..

Wow, of course, that's very scary. But you're doing the right thing--researching on the web and asking questions.

If one or more doctors recommends bypass surgery, then he should probably have it. It's amazingly common these days and the life expectancy is much better WITH than without it. He'll probably feel a whole lot better after it's done too.

I just went through something similar with my dad who had lung cancer surgery (he's fine now), but it was very stressful for everyone. I wrote an article with some tips on how to prepare for and make it through major surgery.

A lot has to do with his family and support system. It's important you take care of yourself too. Please check it out at the source link below, I hope it will help you. Best wishes to you and your Dad.