Hi jennas,I recommend you bring comfy sweatpants, or something like that, to wear home. Your belly isn't going to want anything tight on it. You might even get a bigger than usual size for the early stage.
An iPad or laptop might be nice, but you may be in the hospital just overnight depending on what you're having done. I brought my medication. They take it away for a bit to run it through some protocol with the pharmacy, but it's worth doing.
I wish I'd brought chewable Gas-X, because it took an act of Congress to get simethecone throught the nursing staff. I'd hide it in my bag if I was doing it again.
Watch out for what they give you at the hospital. They'll likely give you a gingerale or other carbonated beverage because you'll be on liquids. Don't drink it. They even gave me a straw--another no-no. Coffee was also on my tray. Not a good thing so soon after surgery. Just be aware and advocate for yourself.
If you can arrange ahead of time to get your surgeon to order liquid pain medication that would be great. It's harder than you'd think to get it in that formulation. They send you home on a soft diet and horse pills for pain. They can be crushed, but liquid would be nice.
Good idea to plan ahead!
Good luck!
Denise