new to the group

Hi every one my name is Mary and I just had my surgery on April 28 th 08. So far so good a lot of abdominal pain from the blood thinner shot area but other wise doing better from the initial pain of the surgery. I was wondering if any one else actually gained weight prior to leaving the hospital as apposed to loosing any weight. I ask My doc about it he said its probably water retention or swelling because I had a potassium problem and they pumped me with sodium for 4 days. He said don't worry and give it 6 weeks before I see a notice in weight change, then I read how others have lost 30 or more before they left the doc so I wonder what's real... I am also asking if anyone can give me any good advice on the 2 week liquid diet after leaving the hospital what has bothered them and what have they tried..
Does any know anything good for water retention, because I'm off my blood pressure pills I no longer take water pills...I know its only been a week I am just trying to stay on track and not over do it or under do it..My doctor says I can drive as long as I don't take my pain med's before any one else have ideas about driving after surgery?

Thank You any information will be helpfull