Hi Jennifer, here is the stuff that helped me:
*I was in the hospital for 5 days (one full day in surgery/ICU and then the next 4 in recovery). The first 24-36 hours were the most uncomfortable, but I did not have a pain pump.
* I was walking the next day.
* You will only eat liquids/soft foods for about 48 hours.
* Expect constipation after all the medicine the give you.
* Bring a warm blanket - I was freezing at night despite all the warm blankets they put on me.
* Bring a pillow for the ride home - the seat belt is painful.
* Since my husband stayed in a hotel nearby while I was in the hospital, we booked the hotel for an extra night once released so that after they discharged me I had another 24 hours near the hospital in case something went wrong.
* Have help at home for at least a week after getting home.
*I only ever took Tylenol once I got home.
* Since you have about a month, maybe work with a PT or trainer to strengthen your core/ab area. That will be much weaker after surgery so the stronger it is now, the better it will be during recovery.
* Plan to eat smaller meals at first. I was eating one hard boiled egg and a half piece of toast. Or one grilled chicken tender with a small amount of veggies. It gets better, but it just takes time. Even 18 months after surgery, I cannot overeat or I feel terrible. Also, watch for eating too much fat at one time (even healthy fats).

Good luck!