Question:
How long after RNY could you lift heavy objects or drive?
I'm single with a 3 year old. How long should my mom plan on staying before I can be self sufficient? — shelbabyrn (posted on June 8, 2007)
June 8, 2007
Hi there. My husband was overseas for a year while I had my surgery, and I
didn't have anyone to help out, so I was doing pretty much everything right
away! I didn't leave the hospital on any pain meds though, so that might
have made a difference! i wasn't feeling like my normal self until around 4
weeks post op though, so if your mom can stay that long, I'm sure it'd
help! Hope that helped some!
— [Deactivated Member]
June 8, 2007
I couldn't drive for a week, and it took about 2 weeks before I could kinda
bend over to pick things up off floor, but no lifting anything heavier than
25 lbs for about 3 weeks...so I'd say I agree w/the other poster...one full
month....especially w/a 3 yr old...good luck!
— crystalsno
June 8, 2007
I don't know if you had a lap done...but I did & had absolutely no
restrictions. I was dc'd from the hospital on Saturday & exercising
at Curves on Monday. Of course,there were the adjustments to being tired.
And you shouldn't drive if you are taking pain meds. I hope that this
helps...
— peacelovecat
June 8, 2007
I had the RNY via laparoscopy and wasn't to go back to work for 6 weeks but
at 2 weeks out I got a call asking could I please work next week . I work
in private homes caring for newborns and toddlers( a babynurse/nanny). The
person they lined up bailed on them so I need to go in at only 3 weeks out.
{ * the job was with twins who were 10 months old.(weighing about 15 pounds
each)} Usually I would care for them alone, this meaning carrying both of
them at most times together. I did the job fine but had help to carry them
upstairs. I could carry them down okay but it was too hard to carry them
up. I went back to driving 1 wk. post-op for the first week my engery was
too low to trust myself behind the wheel. I agree with the others if she
can stay about 3-4 weeks you should be okay . Good Luck an dWelcome to the
thin side of the world!
— jpcal
June 8, 2007
First ask your surgeon! He knows YOU best! My sureons rule NO driving on
pain meds! If LAP nothing over a gallon jug of milk for 30 days. LAP has
big adbvantages near zero risk of incisional hernia, opens about 1/3 get at
least one incisional hernia because the muscle wall is cut. I walked a mile
on my one week surgery anniversary and went back to work part time just
over a week, I was so bored.
— bob-haller
June 9, 2007
Every surgeon has different criteria re: these things. For me - driving - I
could of drove about 2-3 days after w/o any issues. Did I WANT to? NO! I
didn't drive for over 2 weeks until I went back to work - it was by choice.
LIFTING - or me....nothing over 3lbs for 2 weeks. Nothing over 10lbs until
a month. After that, as you can tolerate. Bending over and picking things
up off the floor happened around 1.5 months or so. I lifted laundry soup -
the big Tide - at about 4 weeks and pulled something. In the beginning - my
husband or mom - did laudry and lifted anything I needed done - including
handing me my 14lb kitten. :) Everyone is different. My suggestion is don't
push it. You don't want to hurt yourself, pull something or break something
off or loose or give yourself hernia. Just be careful and LISTEN to your
bod! Trust me....it will talk to you after surgery. LOL.
— jammerz
June 9, 2007
It depends on your physical stamina but it sounds like you are young...I
stayed home for 2 1/2 weeks but I have no children at home so not much to
do physically. I would think 2-3 weeks for mom would be maximum. Try
putting your toddler into day care once your mom leaves, at least you'll
get a bit of a break. the most important thing is to stay active and
resume your normal activities gradually. Many people think they are going
to be bedridden or housebound, both are not the case unless you are very
very overweight and noramlly sendentary. I was successful because I never
sat still. Good luck!
— Sheri A.
June 9, 2007
I would recommend you speak with your surgeon regarding lifting and
driving. However, my surgeon told me no bending, lifting or twisting. I
was told not to drive for 2 weeks.
— AngelaC.
June 9, 2007
I guess it depends on what type of surgery you have. I had lapo RNY bypass
and started driving the next day. As far as lifting -- I don't think it's
recommended that you lift anything or anybody over a certain weight -- your
surgeon can better guide you on that one. I didn't lift anything for about
2 weeks.
— the7thdean
June 9, 2007
I think the major problem would be finding the energy to keep up with a
three year old in the beginning and not being able to lift them. My bypass
was laprascopic and my doctor said I could drive when I felt well enough to
drive, as long as I wasn't on pain meds. I was single and stayed with my
mom for a week. I drove at the end of the first week, short distances.
For the first week bending over or standing from a sitting position are
chores. It gets much better in the second week, but you'll still tire more
easily than usual. I went back to work after two weeks. You don't say if
your mom is nearby and available to help out with your child if you need a
break. If that's the case, I think she probably doesn't need to stay with
you much more than a week after you get out of the hospital, but everyone
has a different experience.
— sandsonik
June 10, 2007
i work as a nurse and everyday i live people thats over a 110lb. i stayed
out of work for 2 months and i was able to return back to work on full
duty. i had the gastro bye pass
— yvettetas
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