Newbie, I was approved and have a surgery date and am NERVOUS!!

Hi there fellow Louisianians! My name is Amanda...I am two little ones Isaac, 4 and Genevieve 9 months. My BMI is currently 44 and I have a surgery date with Dr Chung for lap RnY on the 18th! Woohooo! I am very excited and very nervous. My hubby is active duty army and stationed in Afghanistan. We are out of Ft Drum NY but I came home to be with family for the year. It makes it a little harder b/c I do have to rely on them for all the help I will need post op. How long before I can be home alone with the kids do you think...assuming of course everything goes smoothly? I have to drive Isaac back and forth from preschool everyday so I just don't know how long I will need someone home with me. I look forward to this journey and to get to know all of you.

Hello and welcome to the board. You will definitely need someone there with the little one for at least four weeks I think. It seems like the doctor wouldn't let me lift more than five lbs for three or four weeks can't remember exactly ask your doctor he should be able to give you your weight restrictions ahead of time. Also wasn't allowed to drive for two weeks so at least two weeks for sure. Hope all goes well for you and it is nice to meet you. Tina -115

Welcome Amanda, Congrats on starting your journey. I honestly don't remember the restrictions that I had with my journey. I know I was not suppose to lift anything over 5lbs but I don't know for how long. I also was not able to drive for 2 weeks. I'm sorry your husband can't be with you but am glad you have family. You can get a load of emotional support from us. Have a good day, Jodi

Welcome!! I cannot answer any of your questions, my date is the 24th. But I can tell you, this is the best place for support and asking questions. Cindee

HI AMANDA!! SO excited for you, my fellow PCOS sister!! 15 days until a new life begins! As for lifting, you will need to be careful for the first two weeks, not lifting anything over the weight of a phone book. Thereafter, until you are 6 weeks postop, you cannot lift more than 20 pounds. As for babies, you can sit with the baby on your lap or holding her against your chest, but no lifting from a low crib and absolutely NOT from the floor. If the crib is fairly high, you can lift her from there, as long as you are concentrating on using your arms for strength. Just be careful. The best thing to do is to let her sleep with you for the first two weeks and when getting her out of bed, put her on your chest while seated on the bed, hold her firmly with one arm and then use your other arm to help yourself up out of bed. I would have someone stay with you for the first week while you still have your JP drain. Thereafter, you will feel much, much better. I know I did as soon as that thing was out! Also, be very careful that the kids don't accidentally pull it out. It's sutured into place, but it can happen. Don't worry - I'm about to throw so much information at you that you won't be able to stand it! See you soon! Marcie

Thanks ya'll! I tried to email you back Maricie but it was returned, maybe your inbox is overloaded?? I am feeling better about it. Worse come to worst I will put the baby in some sort of daycare for a week. I am sure she will be fine. My main problem is just during the day 7-5, that's when no one is here. Thanks again for the replies.