Question:
Can I lift my baby after I have the surgery?

I am going to have gastric bypass in September. At that time, my baby will be 8 months old. Will I be able to pick him up and hold him when I get home from the hospital? I have had three c-sections and recovered very quickly from all of them. My BMI is 55. Thanks    — Robin T. (posted on March 22, 2001)

March 21, 2001
Check with your surgeon regarding restrictions on lifting. Following my lap RNY, I was instructed not to lift more than 15 lbs. for the first 3 weeks post-op, but other surgeons may have slightly different limitations. Bending over and lifting the baby up from the floor or out of the crib/playpen will be the type of strain that you would want to be careful about...cuddling the baby after you get home should be therapeutic for both of you :-)
   — Diana T.

March 22, 2001
Most good surgeons will tell you to wait 6 to 8 weeks to lift over 10 pounds. This is crucial to avoid hernias and such. After that you should gradually increase the pounds you lift. Also, you should not do vacuuming or furniture moving or shoveling of snow and such either during that first 2 month period of time. I think the answer is 'no' if you want to avoid injuring yourself. And I agree, cuddling with your baby is therapeutic. Just get someone else to hand him to you.
   — Cindy H.

March 22, 2001
I was told not to lift anything over 10 pounds ... including my daughter. But as a single mom, I knew it was unrealistic to think I could go that long without holding her. The solution for me was to have her climb up on me or someone to hand her to me, and this worked fine. Be careful though -- I did end up popping a stitch in my abdomen by trying to do too much.
   — Beth B.