Good ideas, a couple more we have used that has been real helpful to our family. I havent had surgery yet but have to be careful about bending etc cause its so painful.
I got a portable TV tray that I can sit in front of my recliner so I dont have to sit in the hard kitchen chairs. Its been great for games, cards, etc or to help with art stuff.
Get a grabber, extention thing, can be purchased at WalMart or on Ebay etc, its great for picking things up that fall in the floor without bending or getting something in a high cabinet etc. Good for after surgery too
Make it a game to pick up things in the floor with the kids. WE do things like get a box and they put things in and toss them like a ball or whoever gets the box filled first wins and gets a treat.
Hope this helps