Question:
Lifting Heavy Things

At what point should I be able to lift weight? I am a paramedic and need to be able to carry people of varying weights. Lap? Open?    — coffenut (posted on November 17, 2003)

November 17, 2003
I had open and my surgeon said no lifting of over 5 lbs for 6 weeks. Be careful..you don't want a hernia! Good luck!
   — Patty.W

November 17, 2003
6 weeks or you will herniate.
   — Rebecca K.

November 17, 2003
hiya~ please check with your surgeon. i am an emt but i got into it a year post op and i had open. i have a friend who is a paramedic who went back to work 6 weeks post op, lap, but he is still not doing any lifting and he's almost 3 months post op. he has the fire dept do the lifting still. (hey they are good at it! LOL) good luck, kate
   — jkb

November 18, 2003
I am a Paramedic and had a Lap RNY and an open Laporectormy to fix a bowel blockage. I couldn't lift anything for 6 weeks. I also have to wear an abdominal binder for 6 months to prevent a hernia since I am/was so big to start with. Since I have been back, I have been extreamely careful in lifting. It all boils down to what your doctor says and how your body feels.
   — emtp435

November 21, 2003
You know, it's funny to me... when can we lift weight? We've been lifting it for YEARS! (it just made me giggle)
   — Goldilauxx B.