Moms/Dads? Tips on recovery with young kids?

[Bndtoslv 292]

Hi All,

I am trying to figure out my plan for the summer (hoping to get my surgery in late to mid June). My kids are 3 and 5. The 5 year old will be in camp until 4 each day and the 3 year old will be in camp until 1 each day. My husband will take them to camp but will not be able to pick up most days. I guess that I need to hire a babysitter for a few weeks to pick up and care for both kids after camp? Does anyone have a sense of how long I will need the help?

Thanks!

[FlabbyNat 72]

I have a 21 month old and my husband and older boys have helped me greatly!! I am 8 days post op and still need help lifting my Son into high chair, picking up toys, bathing etc. I have been able to do other things with him but it hasn't been easy. I can't really bend over for anything, nor lift him! I have made sure someone is with me at all times during recovery if I have my Son around. Hope this helps. Good luck!

[attorneyshannon 17]

I had my surgery on 4/3 and my parents came to stay for a week with me. I have a 1 yr old, a 2 year old, a 4 yr old and a 5 yr old. After about 10 days I was in great shape! Good luck.

[****505 girl 18]

I was just sleeved on Thursday. I'm home now but my 2 year old keeps wanting to jump on me.

[Daisydawn34 41]

Following hope to have surgery in July I have a 2 year and 3 year old 8 and 10 year old

[elsaandanna 0]

I think it varies a little for everyone. I was driving within a few days, but I couldn't take any pain meds, they made me super sick.

[athena3127 199]

The experience will be different for everyone. Although I do not have children, I do have a nephew that visits often and keeps me on my toes and was only 3 1/2 at my point of surgery.

That being said, I was sleeved Tuesday, 11-4-14 and was in the hospital until Thursday, 11-6. I walked daily up and down the halls at the hospital and was blessed to have no physical pain. I did experience nausea. I was discharged with instructions not to lift more than 6lbs. The only thing I could do was walk, no going to the gym, ECt. I was back driving by Friday 11-7 and returned to work 11-10.

When the nephew came to visit picking I found my sister had already been working with the pick it up put it up song for clean up. I added a coin allowance for his big boy bank for every chore he did to help. He would have everything picked up and in it's place and ask what's next.

If your pre op then, Start making a game out of things the child/children can do to help with daily tasks.

Just about anything can be turned into a game that incorporates learning and problem solving. So not only does it take a bit physical off you, it also becomes family time as well.

I would simply explain in general terms that I was unable to help with certain things because my tummy was hurt. However, I always put a spin on things. And we would pick up the blue toys, red toys .. The toy nearest to me or farthest from me. The largest or smallest toy..he would laugh and say what's next.

[jersey_girl_86 61]

Hello, I am 11 days post op. I have 3 kids - 7years, 4years, and 2years. I was sleeved on a Monday and came home Wednesday. My husband took that whole week off. My mom helped in the evenings. The biggest thing was/is potty time for the 2 year old. I can't pick him up still. I was able to do light house work by 1 week. I'm still not doing bath time. We have had a lot of movie time and coloring time. Stuff that they can sit and do. I've taken them to the park a couple times since the weather was so nice. The older 2 are good at playing and staying where I tell them and I followed the 2 year old around. The first time we only stayed 1 hour bc I was becoming tired. The second time a little over 2. Slow and steady and before you know it you will be back to normal!!!

[KalelsWifey 318]

I have a 2 & 4 yr old. I am so thankful that I did not let their age and 'lack of self sufficiencies' deter me from beginning this process. My kids are actually really self sufficient. My husband too took 5 days off day of surgery and four days after. That to me was the time that I truly needed him. I am now and have been for a week or so doing it all by myself. Cooking, cleaning, bathing, groceries, laundry with no pain or discomfort. I urge you to have a back up person on hand should you not feel well and they can help out for the day. I believe once you get past the initial few days you'll see just how quickly you'll bounce back, ps as mom's we always tend to bounce back quick lol. Good luck. You'll be fine!! Keep us updated when you have it.