Hello all! I am in the process of getting the gastric sleeve. I meet with the surgeon on the 27th and then they will send everything to my insurance for authorization to proceed. I am a single mom of 2 kids with very little help from anyone. I have a 9 year old and a 20 month old. Any tips on taking care of my toddler after surgery? I don't want to over do it during recovery. Thanks!!

You will have a lifting restriction after surgery, so start planning for that. Every time you lift or carry your toddler now, try to think of an alternate. For example, if you are lifting your baby into a crib, set the bottom of the crib as low as it can go, drop the side down, and teach your toddler to climb in and out without your lifting. Transition to a booster seat from a high chair if you haven't already, or have meals on a blanket on the floor -- things like that.

I was very tired after surgery for a few weeks -- I was able to care for myself, but if I had been in charge of an energetic little person during that time, I probably would have hired someone to come in maybe 4-6 hours per day so I could get a break, take a nap, and not have to be on the go quite as much. Your 9 year old might be able to help though, with things like lifting.

I'm just over 2 weeks out from surgery. Also a single mom. My kids are 6 and 3. I had to wait till my youngest was out of the crib and able to get herself into the car seat. It was 4 weeks before I can lift her weight. So I started the process when she was newly 2, and am having surgery when she is 3.75. Due to the lifting issue.

Make sure you have a plan for the crib, meals, and car seat. Lifting too much too soon can lead to a hernia.

Jess, mom to Ysabel, 6 and Maggie, 3

I have a 2 and 4 year old. Made a lot of plans in advance in order to comply with the no lifting rule for 4 weeks post op. The 2 year old is going to be the hardest for sure, but he is out of the crib, can get up/down stairs by himself, out of highchair and with minimal help can get in and out of his car seat himself.

I'd strongly advise you have a plan in place- have another adult around as much as possible and encourage your 9 year old to help with lifting the toddler (for diaper changing and such).

If your 2 tenfold can climb on the couch, put down a blanket and change diapers there or on the floor.

If they have a small kids table let the 2 yr old eat meals there and you can sit on the floor next to him.

I would say in everything you do, go the easy route! If it takes letting them watch tv a little more or letting the 2 yr old climb on the couch alone girl do it! If you have a lazy boy type chair.. Start now teaching 2 yr old how to sit with you...you sit on edge of chair, back 2 yr old up to the chair and then release the foot rest.you sit back and baby is on your lap. Easy way to snuggle!

I would also make sure I grocery shopped for easy but healthy meals for post op so you are not trying to grocery shop after. Make ahead meals and freeze them.

Good luck!

Oh also if you trust the 2 year old ditch the crib and put crib mattress on the floor. With a baby proofed bedroom you can put a baby gate in the doorway so someone does not run through the house at 2 am! Lol

I have amazing support from my partner and nannies to watch over our 13 month old twins. But they are going through a crazy separation anxiety phase and sometimes both want to be picked up at the same time! Really good tips!

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I'm going to hire a nanny. I have a 10 month old and a 2 year old

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my only close experience was a middle child was born via c section and I had other littles at home. Granted the csection was much harder than the sleeve, but somethings apply.

prepare as much ahead as possible. meals, preportioned that can just be fed to them, or warmed and fed to them. you are not going to want to handle their food much in the first two weeks when you are on liquids. Do as much of that shopping and prep as possible.

create 2 or 3 nesting spots in your home, comfy places where the little one will be safe to play and you have all you need for diaper changes and such and if you get drowsy you can drift off for a few minutes.

have cups with lids or straws for you - so baby doesn't tip over your beverage that you're sipping on.

We momma's are a tough lot, you can do this!