When Can We Lift Heavy Stuff Again?

[Kyrie 9]

I'm almost 4 weeks out, and I was told not to lift more than 25 pounds after surgery, but I either forgot or wasn't told for how long.

I feel fine, and sometimes I forget I'm not supposed to lift things and do it anyway... like rearranging the furniture, which I may or may not have done yesterday.

Nothing hurts, it's not even uncomfortable. Feels like I never even had surgery. How long until I'm "allowed" to lift things?

[gamergirl 4,609]

6 weeks for the most part. Don't go by how good you feel, go by what is safest. We're a bit numb from all the cutting and pain meds etc. I too felt great--until I overdid the house cleaning one day after which my stomach and mid-section hurt so bad! Don't do what I did, just take it easy for a little bit.

[2Big2Skate 328]

I just had my one month post op visit with the surgeon and he cleared me for all normal activity. I think the abdominal lining, which is sutured muscle, is the reason they say no Bending Lifting Twisting. Once he checks you out, ask him if you can resume lifting.

[JeanZ_RN 378]

When I went back to work, which was 1 week after surgery, my surgeon said my only restriction was not to lift more than 20 lbs for six more weeks - so at 7 weeks out I'll be able to lift again. However, I had a ventral hernia repaired at the same time my sleeve was done, so my restriction may be a bit more stringent than for someone who did not have that.