I wanted to ask a general question about post surgery restrictions - specifically if you were told not to lift more than 5 pounds for a certain length of time.

I found this restriction in some of the research I've been doing. However, I asked a friend that just had gastric bypass and she wasn't given any restrictions. Sounds like this might be surgeon specific...

We're adopting a newborn in August and I'm shooting for surgery around January. I'm afraid I won't be able to pick up my baby!

I was given restrictions of no bending and no lifting, pushing or pulling greater than 5 lbs for four weeks. Some of my paperwork says six weeks, I think that's excessive. I can understand two weeks, it's tough and it hurts.

I was told more than 10 lbs lifting for two weeks, then 50 lb restriction for three months ...

I was told no lifting, pushing or pulling anything between 10-15 lbs. for 2 weeks as this may strain muscles trying to heal around port? I did not hear about bending, but it hurts to bend, so I do not have a problem avoiding. The best part was light housekeeping only. Yipeee!

Abdominal surgery of any kind calls for being careful about lifting for at least a few weeks afterward. You don't have to worry about lifting a newborn, though, past the first couple of days. As with anything, the general rule is if it hurts, DON'T DO IT. If you're careful and take things slowly, you'll be fine.

... if it hurts, DON'T DO IT.

This is my surgeon's official stance - works for me!

I appreciate everyone's feedback on this! Thank you!!