Lifting Restrictions

I am a single mom with a 2 1/2 year old boy (28 lbs) with cerebral palsy, he is not mobile. He depends on me to move and lift him all over the place... in/out of Johnny Jump up, floor time to couch and to/from changing table. I am due to get my lap-band surgery at the end of April. I wondered how soon after surgery will I be able to lift him? Will I need someone to help me for a few days? The weight loss center where I'm getting surgery says there are no lifting restrictions, but that people take a few days off work. Just wondering if any of you wonderful bandsters have some advice.... 

Hi, My surgeon told me NO lifting for 4wks unless its under 5 pounds. So yes u might need some help. I haven't had my surgery yet, mine is May 10th. But that was one of the question I asked the Dr. when I went to my consulation. Im at home all the time, but my husband has to be off for 4 to 6wks because he is in production. I hope this helps you...

I also was told not to lift anything more than 5lbs for 6 weeks.  I'm a year out from surgery.  Explain to the doctor your concern.  They will be able to help you.  Good Luck.

I lifted my grandaughter and she weighed 19 pounds at the time and it busted my port sight open...I was about 4 weeks post-op when it happened...They said NOTHING over 5-10 pounds for 6-8 weeks....Hope all goes well!!! Joyce

I'll be 6 weeks post-op Thursday. I too had a weight limit of NO MORE than 5lbs the first 4 weeks. At 4 weeks I was told NO MORE than 20lbs. He also said because I could lift up to 20lbs not to be doing it all the time. I will see my Dr tomorrow and hopefully will have all restrictions removed as I'm feeling great.

Every Dr is different and as others mentioned I would talk with your Dr and explain your concerns. I would have somebody lined up to help you out the first few weeks though.

Good Luck

same here no lifting for 6 weeks after . You will need somebody to help you at least for six weeks because if you dont and you take the chance of doing it yourself you will be back in the hospital with problems . 

That will be with any WLS you go with some surgeries might even be longer in weeks

Hi fellow CP Mommy!  I had my LapBand 4 1/2 weeks ago.  I wasn't allowed to lift more than a gallon of milk (9lbs) the first week, and am still not able to lift very much.  I have inside stitches as well, and the doc said you could rupture the inside ones if you lift too early.  I would suggest getting some help for at least the first 10 days, and then taking it very easy.  Advising your doc about the situation is also a good thing.  My husband stayed home from work the first day, and then my Mom came the next and my sister the day after.  You'll need help, especially if you need the pain meds.

My son is 15 yrs old with Cerebral Palsy.  He's mobile, but only crawling.  He's been in a wheelchair since he was 2.  I'll friend request you!

Diana

I had a lifting restriction (nothing over 10 pounds) for about 4 weeks.

I am sure that even if the WLS center does not impose a restriction, you may not be physically able to lift a 28 pound child for at least the first few days post op.