Hi there Bubbly! Welcome to the forum.
Lots of good advice and help on here.
Just a wee note that if you want to post in Cambridge section this is your link:
Must be a drain having OH away for so long but as you say gives you lots of time to get where you want to go and I guess it'll be a real surprise for him when he comes home to a slinky slim new you!
All the very best to you.