Question:
I had open RNY on July 8th and was told no lifting anything over 10 lbs until after 6

months, well I have a 2 year old and he weighs 38 lbs and I have to lift him sometimes out of his crib, I was worried about my staples inside my stomach can lifting him make them rip and stretch my pouch, I asked my dr.s nurse and she said she did not know,all she said was something about a hernia??    — Amy G. (posted on August 5, 2003)

August 5, 2003
I've never heard lifting restrictions going to 6 months. I travel for work which involves carrying a laptop and suitcase and my CPAP machine and I was cleared to carry all that at my 6-week visit. <p> But the less you can lift, the lesser chance of developing an incisional hernia. Can you put the side rail of the crib down and have your child get out on his own? My kids were climbing out of the crib with the rail UP at 2 *G*...JR
   — John Rushton

August 5, 2003
I don't know about gastric surgery, but my wise old mother-in-law informed me when I had my hysterectomy that I wouldn't have problems if I didn't lift for 6 months. She waited 6 months and didn't have a problem, her sister didn't wait, thought it was all a bunch of hogwash and had adhesions, and all sorts of problems. Most Dr's don't give that long of a limit, but I would sure avoid any lifting that I could. I followed her advice after my hysterectomy and haven't had any problems.
   — sissie S.

August 5, 2003
My restrictions were lifted at 6 weeks. I'm 2 months out and have tossed my daughter (she's 7 and weighs 45lbs) around in the swimming pool without a problem. I'm also a Wal-Mart cashier and lift all sorts of stuff (cat litter, pet food, car batteries, 30-packs of beer, etc) without problems. My doctor was fully aware of my lifting requirements at work, and said after 6 weeks there are no restrictions unless you've already had problems. Can't hurt to confirm this again with your doctor. :)
   — ladyphy

August 6, 2003
I had open RNY on July 11 and have a two year old daughter, so I know what you are going through! My doctor said no lifting over 10 lbs for 6 weeks. I bought a 3-step stool that goes to just below the crib railing when the side of the crib is down, and my daughter is able to climb in and out with just me guiding her down the steps. It has really worked well. And of course when it is time for her to stay in the crib, I move the stool to the other side of her room and put the crib side up, and she does fine (I was a little worried initially about her deciding she could get in and out by herself, but I haven't had any problems at all). Just a suggestion to help you get through the next few months. Good luck!
   — Trisha H.

August 6, 2003
I just had a hernia repair and I believe that it was because I didn't pay enough attention to the restrictions for the 1st 6 weeks. It is for our own good, because hernias are no fun.
   — joeandteri

August 8, 2003
Seems like two months would be more like it. However I had another abdomial surgery in Nov 89 and was told NOT to lift anything heavier than 5 pounds. Stupid me, I carried a gallon milk jug around the store. It was an hour drive going home and when I got out of the car I had a pants full of blood. (No pain to tell me I was bleeding like no tomarrow). Ended up in the ER for hemoraging, and they sent me by ambalance to a big city hospital. Moral of the story, if your surgeon says not to life X pounds for X amount of time, LISTEN! I made up my mind for wls, I would'nt lift even half of what he said I could, and went twice as long. However six months??? It does'nt sound right to me, but just make sure you did'nt misunderstand him. That can happen very easily.
   — Danmark