What Can You Lift

SanDiegoSusan · June 11, 2008

Hi All:

I have a quick question about what you can and cannot lift the day after/week after/month after surgery. My direct question is will I have any trouble if I haul my 7 pound laptop around the house the day of or day after surgery? (I have a friend who thinks she's my mommy and if very concerned about me moving the computer all by my lonesome.:biggrin2:)

The more indirect questions are when could you lift groceries? Vacuum the house? Lift a 50 pound child?

Finally, when did you feel like there was no restriction on what you could lift and/or participate in full activities?

Thank you so much!!!:smile2:

SanDiegoPhotog · June 11, 2008

My doctor has me on a "no lifting anything over 10 pounds" rule from the moment after surgery until my 2-week follow-up appointment. At that appointment, he'll tell me what my next weight limit is.

My laptop is 8 pounds and I had no trouble carrying it on Day 2 post op. I was moving very s-l-o-w-l-y and I didn't have to move it far, but I was fine.

SanDiegoPhotog · June 11, 2008

Oh, I am 6 days post-op and I have not attempted groceries, the vacuum, or the children. It's VERY difficult with the children . . . .they are 19 and 23 pounds each (twins) and they don't understand.

But, I haven't been lifting my 42-pound child for some time now . . . . and I don't plan on it anytime soon, either!!! LOL! More power to you for even being able to do without the band! :smile2:

SanDiegoSusan · June 11, 2008

Well I have an 11 year old and a 5 year old next door and they both love to be picked up by their ankles and twirled around. (Seemed like a good workout.:smile2:) Have to admit the 11 year old is getting a little tough to toss around but the 5 year old is still easy. However, as a 5 year old boy he also loves to run full tilt into me and see if he can knock me over. Hmmmm, maybe I should move for a few weeks.:biggrin2:

SanDiegoPhotog · June 11, 2008

OMG . . . I could not even FATHOM doing that right now. I think you'd be looking at LEAST 6 weeks before you did anything like that.

My doctor explained it like this: Your stitches on the outside that are exposed to light and air heal in about 3-4 weeks. But your stitches on the inside (those holding your band to your stomach) are in the dark. They take at least 6 weeks to heal.

You don't want to do anything to mess up those healing stitches. And just cuz you can't feel them, doesn't mean they aren't there trying to heal themselves.

SanDiegoSusan · June 11, 2008

Don't worry. Not going to do anything to ruin the surgery (thus the question can I even lift a laptop.) Promise not to twirl kids for at least 6 weeks after surgery.

Am I still allowed to sit on them?:biggrin2: