So my college semester starts 20 days after my surgery. The campus is on steep hills, so I'll be walking 1+ miles per day up steep hills carrying a 20-30lb backpack. Is this okay? I'm concerned about injuring myself just because I'm not sure what to expect from post-surgery activity levels.

Sleevers, do you feel that this would have been doable for you? Anything I can do to minimize chances of injury? Am I overreacting??

the walking might not be an issue, but carrying a 20 pound backpack will. Might need to find a way to keep that down to 10 pounds or less.

That's what I was afraid of. I can leave everything in my car and carry only one class worth of books/supplies at a time, but my concern is walking up the hill to class, back down to my car and then right back up the hill again. I'm only 8 days into my pre-op diet and I'm already very week, by the time school starts I won't have had 'real' solid food for over a month and I'm worried about being able to make the trip.

I'm sure it will be fine but my worst fear is the backpack weight causing a leak or passing out walking up the hills because my energy is shot.

Have you tried a book bag with wheels?

Have you tried a book bag with wheels?

That is a great idea!

I could have done it

A 20 - 30 lbs backpack is heavy even without the surgery, but I think they are primarily concerned about 2 weeks post op. My surgeon restricted me to no more than 10 lbs for 2 weeks post op. That said, you should be ok 20 days out or as someone suggested use a pack on wheels. The walking shouldn't be a problem though.

I have a 20# weight limit for 4 weeks, but I have been using the same backpack on wheels for a couple years and they are so convenient!

I had no weight restrictions after 2 weeks. Check with your doctor. Personally, I feel at the 20 day mark that I could have done it!!

Regarding the weakness... You body is adjusting. It does get better after week 2 of surgery