Question:
How much weight can you lift after opne RYN?

I was wondering, because my daughter has Spina Bifida and she weighs 30lbs, and I have to pick her up to put her on my bed to cathater her and to put her back in her wheelchair and/or bed. Also another question from a previous post, I've been on Depo shot for going on 5 years and I probally gained about 25lbs in 5 years. do you know if its still effective after the WLS? Thanks a whol bunch!    — Jennifer W. (posted on December 28, 2001)

December 28, 2001
My doctor said you can lift no more that 20 pounds I think for four months. I hope you will have help with daughter while in recovery yourself. Good Luck.
   — Candace F.

December 28, 2001
I have not yet had surgery but I have a 2 year old who weighs 36 pounds so I asked about lifting restrictions at the consult and the doctor said there would be none. That is for open RnY.
   — W M.

December 28, 2001
My doctor said not to lift more than 15 pounds for 6 weeks after surgery. Any more and you risk a hernia. I heard of one woman who got a hernia from lifting her 18 pound daughter. You can get quite creative in finding ways to slide things around without really having to "lift" them.
   — ctyst

December 28, 2001
I had open RNY 18 days ago. My discharge instructions said 'no heavy lifting'. It didn't give any specific weight limit, but I've been real careful not to lift anything over about 15 pounds. I've had help from my husband and two older daughters. My 5 y/o weighs 35 pounds and is a cuddler. I've had to have her climb in my lap instead of picking her up. Sometimes she falls asleep on the couch and I feel so good that I almost forget that I can't lift her yet. In your situation, I think you may need help with your daughter. I don't know if a binder will help you prevent a hernia, but maybe that is something you can ask your surgeon about. If you belong to a online site dealing with Spina Bifida, maybe a post on the message board or E-list will get you some advice on how to handle your very special circumstances. Best of luck to you and hugs to your little girl.
   — Donna L.

December 28, 2001
I had open RNY 22 days ago. My discharge instructions were no more then 5 pounds. At my 2 week post-op appt. they raised that to 10 pounds untill my 6 week appt. As usual it appears all surgeons have differant guidelines, but I havent heard of any allowing you to lift 30 lbs. I hope that you will be able to get some help with your daughter. Good Luck
   — Missy M.

December 28, 2001
I'd try my hardest not to lift your daughter. I had open RNY, and now have a hernia which I'm sure is because I lifted my 30 lb. son too soon. Now I look like I'm pregnant!
   — Becky H.