I was cleared to walk as soon as I got home. Anything more strenuous than that I was cleared at 6 weeks. But, as always, get the ok from your team.

As far as working out now (I am a year out), I am marathon training, and I either run, spin or lift weights 5-6 days a week. I have a pretty hardcore workout schedule and I need the extra calories on my hardest days. I am eating 1300-1400 cals on those days and I maintain my weight between 129-132.
I weigh myself daily to keep the extra calories in check. If I see my weight creep up, I will adjust my intake accordingly.

It is basically up to your doctor to clear you. Mine told me that I could do whatever I felt like doing, but no heavy lifting for 2 weeks. He said if something hurt, don't do it. I joined a fitness club and started working out at 3 weeks post op. I also do water aerobics 3X a week and walk for about an hour a day. I am six weeks post op now and I feel a lot better when I work out.

I was told I could walk the day I left the hospital, but to wait to do any strenuous workouts for 4-6 weeks. I am almost 4 weeks out and still haven't been cleared yet (simply because I haven't seen the surgeon since 12 days post op). I go Dec 6th for my next checkup and I'm sure he'll clear me then.

I was walking in the hospital and haven't stopped since! Heavy lifting will depend on your dr and any hernias or anything else you had done. I'm not any more hungry than before. Getting extra protein above the minimum of 60 is the most important part since protein is what melts the fat, helps healing and muscle recovery. Even on maintainence, I don't eat any more than my three meals and afternoon and evening protein snacks. You aren't anywhere near needing to worry about calorie Loading for mountain climbing or marathons. That all comes way later and still isn't that much more. No, water does not satisfy nutritional and protein needs. Your body will begin to break down if you do not feed it nutritionally.