out of all the things, not being able to sleep on my side was the worse because i literally would not sleep for more than 2 - 4 hours each night until i could sleep on my side. i waited until about 2 weeks in to be able to sleep on my side and i was still sleeping on the couch (which was more comfortable when i had to sleep on my back) and i would hug a pillow cushion when sleeping. it made it more comfortable since i usually hug my pillow on my side when i'm sleeping.
as for the weight thing, my little booklet i got from the surgeon said in regards to physical activity: until the 4th week, don't lift objects weighing more than 10 pounds, start physical activities as soon as you can but limit arm movements, it is possible to go to work after 3 weeks, and wait until week 6 before participating in intense physical activity and walk as much as possible.