It makes for a helluva plug in your system. I think that if you ask, and make just a bit of a fuss about it, they ll do just about anything for you. The bottom line is to use pain medications only when you need them. There is no shame in hurting. Anyone who wants to argue can look at that nifty 8-12 inch line of surgical staples in your side.
Hair gets oily, and showering is completely out for a while.
Walking is very good. It seems that it s almost a cure-all. The more you walk, the quicker you heal and the better you feel. They ll get you out of bed to weigh you as soon as you wake up from the general anesthetic. You ll feel a sense of accomplishment at that, as you curse them for being barbarians.