Nightgowns or PJs?

I brought my gown with me and as quick as I could I changed out of the hospital gown. Those gowns do not allow a lot of privacy, the snaps may or may not work and you feel like another number. In your own gown you will feel more like you. In the first 24-48, I would not recommend pajames as you will have a urinary catheter. That becomes a problem in pulling them up and tangling in your catheter. Good luck!

Thanks sisters, this has been so helpful! Yes, here in Australia things will be the same to begin with - I'll stay in the hospital gown while I'm too sick and tired to be bothered to change (experience from a different surgery) - this is usually just the first day.
After that though, it gets different - they expect you to have your own clothing. I have been told I will be in hospital for about 4 nights. I figured that nightshirts might be comfier and your comments have really helped me accept that (I just don't wear them usually!). I do have one pair of soft satiny pjs so could pack them just in case.....

Gown: Yes, use the hospital gown. You might bleed and you don't wan't to bleed all over your own PJs. Also, they have lots of snaps, so they can get to "body parts" in case of an emergency.

Robe: You might want to bring your own robe and slippers as they will want you to walk around before you can leave. You don't want your bum hanging out of the hospital gown. But, they can also provide you with another gown to put on backwards so your bum is covered.

Going Home Clothes: I didn't realize how swollen my belly would be, because my surgery was vaginal. But, no matter what, everyone is swollen when they leave. Make sure you bring something very loose, maybe even a dress. I had elastic waisted denim shorts, and still I couldn't button them. I just zipped it up halfway and pulled my shirt down over it.

I had an LAVH on June 14th and would recommend staying in the hospital gown. Mine covered the rear area with no problem and was very comfortable. I brought a long sleeping shirt (from Victoria's Secret) to wear under my robe out of the hospital. I had also brought slippers but didn't even use those as the hospital provided a footie like sock that had a no-slip bottom on them.

Ask the nurse for an extra pair of the "stretchy" pants before you leave. These are panties made of a stretchy fishnet type of material and they are great. Very comfy and stretch to accomodate your swelly belly. I only took the pair I was wearing home and wished I had had an extra pair.