Question:
Can I mow my grass?

I am 7 weeks post-op and the yard hasnt been mowed since my surgery. It really needs to be mowed one last time before winter. I had lap ryn 7 weeks ago - do you think it is ok? I have a push mower. Thanks.    — Debbie W. (posted on November 15, 2002)

November 15, 2002
You should be fine, I cut mine at about 3 weeks post op. Never hurts to check with your doc. If you were OPEN I would advise against it. We LAPS heal fast..
   — bob-haller

November 15, 2002
I mowed mine at 4 weeks and I had open rny. I have a push mower too. I would just say take your time and take breaks as you need too.
   — LisaTaz

November 16, 2002
I had open RNY. 2 weeks after surgery I was back to work full time (not behind a desk). 3 weeks after surgery I mowed my grass. It all depends on how you heal and how you FEEL. If you start mowing and it doesn't feel okay, stop. Just that simple. Good Luck!
   — Pam S.

November 16, 2002
If you can find someone to do it for you or hire someone I think you should not do it yourself. I thought I was being careful enough but pulled the bottom three inches of my incision (that seemed fully healed) when I bent over to pick up a sock during a day of housecleaning! I had stopped wearing the binder at around week five because I felt better and the doc ok'd it Oh how I wish I had babied myself more now. I have to take prescription blockers because the nerves are overreacting and causing me pain worse than what I came home from the hospital with. I guess I am saying error on the side of caution if you can, Our insides take a lot longer to heal than the external incision itself. Best wishes.
   — Carrie R.