Caring for toddler after surgery

[cantwait2014 4]

Hi everyone-

My last office appointment is September 4th. Hopefully all will go well and I'll have my surgery 1-3 weeks from then. I have 3 kids with hectic schedules, and my youngest is 15 months- and wants to be picked up most of the time. I was just wondering if anyone else has young kids and how they managed after their sleeve surgery. Any advice is appreciated!!!

Thanks!

Best,

Liz

[alexisny 45]

Hi Liz, I had surgery last Jan. At the time, my kids were 9 months and 5 yrs. I could not pick my kids up or even let them lay on me for 2 wks. It was horrible for the 9 month old. My hubby would lay him down next to me to snuggle but I has some drains so I had to be extra careful. YOU WILL BLEED if you try to pick them up before 14-16 days. If I tried to pick up things around 10 lbs, even around 5 I would drain more. If you want any other info don't hesitate to ask. You will need help. It's hard asking for help as a mother. Really hard, but you have to set up help for 2 wks to be safe. Someone to just help with baths etc. I also could transfer them from a chair to my lap within a week. Good luck! It's worth the outcome. You will feel amazing, have tons of energy to be with your kids which is worth the short healing time.

[cantwait2014 4]

Thanks for responding. I'm soooooo excited to have the surgery and start the next chapter in my life, I'm just really nervous about the post op healing and my kiddies.

[alexisny 45]

Thanks for responding. I'm soooooo excited to have the surgery and start the next chapter in my life, I'm just really nervous about the post op healing and my kiddies.

I was in your position. I was so scared about it too. I met another mom on here and she made me feel better. I hope I can do the same for you. If you stress they will stress. They will feel your tension. The pain is nothing. It's really the stress of the kids. You need to take this time for you so you can be healed quickly for them. I promise you, if you don't rush it, you will pick then up in like 14 days. It seems so long while you are going through it but I did find ways around it like the laying together or the transfer with a hair to my lap. So worth it in the long run. My son is 18 months now and I was chasing him around a pool today. What a difference 8 months makes!!!!!!

[alexisny 45]

With a chair I meant. Typing too fast

[cantwait2014 4]

Hey! Just wanted to keep you posted. I'm going in a week (October 14). I'll let you know how I'm doing;-)

[alexisny 45]

So excited for you. It will be the start of a new life for you and your family. It will be rough the first couple of weeks, but I promise you it will get better. Keep me posted and I am here if you need me. I've been there!!!

[rachestar 3]

I had my surgery in May when my daughter was 15 months old. My husband stayed home with me the first week and my mother stayed with my the second. I would have my 9 year old get her out of her crib in the morning before she left for school and my mother in law at nap times.. The first 3 weeks are the worst!!

It is so worth it though. Good luck!!