hospital stay

I am scheduled for 6/17 and I am getting excited. I was reading that some people do not know what to bring to the hospital. I had 2 surgeries back to back two years ago and discovered some things that really helped. 1. I brought my own pillow, it was great, I had a red pillow case so no one would accidental put it in the laundry. 2. I have a blanket a friend gave me that I use all the time at home so I brought it with me. I cannot tell you how small things can make you feel so much better. 3. I advise bringing pajama bottoms, but wear the hospital gown top. There are several reasons for this. You will have a drain that is safety-pinned to whatever top you are wearing, plus you might have a gastric tube and an IV. The gowns are made to accommodate these items. Also, heaven forbid, if something happens and they need fast access to your chest for xray or CPR the gown is made for this. You will have a lot of gas in your stomach when you leave the hospital so wear a very large tee-shirt of a no waist dress if you can find one.Any kind of structured waist band is not advisable. Last time I left in a pair of flannel PJ bottoms and tee-shirt and flip flops because my feet were swollen. 
Comfort-I found the side effect of anesthesia was dry lips so be sure to pack chap stick, I also had terribly dry mouth. I could not swallow water my throat was so dry. I had my husband purchase mouth moisturizer at the drug store (I am sorry I can not find the tube to relate the name but I am sure a pharmacist can help) I spread it on my teeth like tooth paste and it was great. I know it sounds gross, but believe me it you are suffering from dry mouth it is great.
I hope this helps in you planning.
One last thing, I know they give you those sock slippers but you willneed to walk a lot and these do not offer any protection or support. I advise a pair of slippers or sneakers. The nurses will be happy to help you put them on. But hospital floors feel hard and kind of funny when I only wear socks. Good luck to all of you..

Thank you for the wonderful advice! It's nice to have a list of all those random small things that I probably wouldn't think about until I was already miserable in recover, lol. I bet it'll make everyone's hospital stay a lot more pleasant! :)

Thanks for the list, it is very helpful!