I'm wondering whether or not you really need a friend or spouse in the hospital right after you had your surgery. My doctor only does surgeries on Thursdays, and the person who is coming with me has to work only on the weekdays. She is a new mom and obviously needs the money, and if I don't really need her at the hospital, I don't really want her to take unpaid time off to watch me sleep. I figure if the nurses are going to be harassing me all the time, and the pain medicine is going to make me sleep then I'm not really going to need a friend there. I only have to stay overnight. I'm a pretty practical person, and I'm not really one for moral support so I don't think that will be an issue. Does anyone think that's a bad idea?

Yes, you really do. You should have someone to advocate for you, help keep your mind in a good place and keep you comfortable.