I like to have cushy pillows for under my arm and head. The best are the roll type filled with the same beads used in Beanie Babies. They really cusion arms with IV tubes and can be used in the back or anywhere you need some cushioning. I would recommend reading material in small, lightweight format (Reder's digest vs. large magazines or heavy books) and short articles or stories. It is very hard to concentrate for long at first. I probably would have thrown something at anyone who turned on the TV - there is enough noise in the hospital. I bought a wipe off board and made a printed list of possible requests before my recent surgery and used neither. The board was cumbersom and the list was never what I needed to say until I was able to speak anfd then I did't need it. Index cards worked best. Click pens with clips are a necessity. I had a hard clipcoard with an outside clamp for paper and kept extra pens, index cards, lists of phone numbers and papers inside. It was a good prop for puzzle books, magazines and reading material.
If possible, try to have someone with you for meal time once you are able to eat and for doctor rounds.
I treated myself to a thick cushy, long dark kimono which was great for when I got rid of the IV tubes and could sit up and move around. I almost forgot that I was wearing hospital gowns underneath.
Most important - bring a sense of humor and remember to greet everyone with a smile - even if you are in agony.