Question:
When will I be able to take care of my kids old by myself?

I have 3 children, 11, 9 and 2. How long will I need help with the 2 year old post op? Also we do not have school buses for the older kids. I have to drive them, when will I be able to drive them back and forth from school. I will be having open rny. Thanks so much, Robin W    — Robin W. (posted on August 22, 2003)

August 22, 2003
Hello, my surgeon advised me not to drive for at least 6 weeks. At my 6 week appt he said I still shouldn't drive unless I absolutly had to. As for taking care of the kids. I had 3 boys 5, 2 1/2, 1 year olds and I could handle them after 2 weeks. I still couldn't lift them but they could crawl into my lap (with a pillow covering it) and i could get up to fix them food and drinks. With your older two helping you should be fine. GL in your journey.
   — Angela A.

August 22, 2003
You didn't say if it was lap that you are having. If it is,I can tell you that I had mine done on Wednesday and came home on Thursday. On Sunday cooked diner and did a load of laundry.I drove myself to the Doctor on the following Tuesday which was a 20 minute drive on the freeway. I had aslo gone shoping with my daughter before that and had spent two hours at the stores.I have not stoped yet. I was careful about lifting things for about 6 weeks. I also took care of three Grandchildren two days after I got home.Of course they are ages 7,9,and 10, so that made it easier. Hopes this helps.
   — myra J.

August 22, 2003
You should really ask your surgeon what he suggests. My surgeon said I could drive after 2 weeks as long as I was not taking any narcotic pain relievers (which I was off of 6 days post-op). As for the 2 yr. old, my surgeon didn't allow me to lift more than 5 pounds for 2 weeks, then I was limited to 10 pounds for an another 4 weeks. At 6 weeks post-op I went back to work but he still restricted my lifting to 30 pounds. I had open RNY so if you're having lap RNY, your lifting restrictions probably won't be so strict since you'd be less likely to develope a hernia. Good Luck
   — Carolyn M.

August 23, 2003
I personaly started to drive within a week for surgery. I am 2 weeks post op and I drive and do everything except lift or push or pull anything that weighs more than 5 lbs. good luck. Lorena
   — Lorena C.