Question:
What IS the actual weight lifting restriction?

I have heard alot of different views on the weight lifting restriction. I go for my consult. this Wednesday so I know I can ask the doctor then. I also have a 2 1/2 yr. old and he is special needs to he does not walk yet. Lifting is a necessity with him and I have very little outside help.    — Jana S. (posted on March 5, 2001)

March 5, 2001
Following my lap RNY, I was instructed not to lift more than 15 lbs. for the first 6 weeks post-op.
   — Diana T.

March 5, 2001
I live in Wellington, Florida which is part of West Palm Beach area. My mom is going to help when she can but she works and my husband can only take 1 wk. off work. I have a daughter almost 4 yrs old so she can't lift my 2 1/2 yr.old special needs son.
   — Jana S.

March 5, 2001
You should also keep in mind complications that may restrict lifting. I had two abscesses, and at 3 months post-op, I have just been given the o.k. to lift more than 10 lbs. We don't like to think about these things, but abscesses occur in 20% of patients who have any kind of abdominal surgery. I agree that you should enlist some help for at least the first 4-6 weeks. You don't want to lift more than you should and end up with a hernia---then your lifting will be restricting for any even longer length of time. Best of luck!
   — Susan S.

March 6, 2001
It is very important for your full recovery that you follow post op instructions on lifting, vacuuming, and such. Whether laproscopic or open, the insides need 6 to 8 weeks to heal enough for you to begin lifting more than 10 pounds at that point. The healing continues to take place for several months after that point. I've had many, many abdominal surgeries and I've had an incisional hernia that had to be repaired twice -- so I pay VERY close attention to what I do after surgery now. Do not lift more than 10 pounds for 2 months, nor should you vacuum or shovel snow, or dig up your garden or any similar activity. A friend of mine had the surgery and her husband is in a wheel chair. She was always the one who helped him in and out of his wheelchair, shower, etc. She had him get some special equipment and training so she wouldn't have to do this for him after surgery. You will need to find help with your son, or else you and your body will suffer the consequences -- and this may result in you having open surgery later on to repair the damage -- resulting in further recovery and restrictions. I wish you the best.
   — Cindy H.