A couple of days ago I submitted a rather general request for help, on behalf of an internet-less friend (a woman). She has two main concerns: (1) she has a 2 year old. Will she be able to lift it soon after the operation? (2) how much weight can one expect to loose realistically and what are peoples experiences with keeping it off? Any specifics greatly appreciated.

A two year old huh, well, that will be a challenge. All I did the first week was sleep. I don't think I would have been up to handling a two year old. My doc told me no heavy lifting (of 15 pounds) for the first two weeks. A two year old at least is a bit self mobile (than a 6 month old for example who has to be picked up for every little thing) so she might be able to manage after the first week but I would say that she should try to get as much help as she can in the first week for sure and the second week too if she can swing it.

The weightloss varies from person to person. In the beginning 10 pounds a month is not unreasonable but it does tend to slow down after that to 4-5 pounds a month. It is really going to depend on her metabolism, how much exercise she can get and how well she can stick to her diet plan... The band does not "cure" obesity, it still takes work. The bonus is that it is harder to fall very far off the diet wagon because you can really only eat so much. I have lost 40 pounds since the end of April and I am just tickled pink. I would be thrilled if it was coming off faster but I was not able to get my first fill so I am still able to eat fairly normally. Even still I am really truly glad I did this for myself. I feel like I have taken control of the one thing in my life that has been the most out of control. For me it is definitely empowering!

cncnutt

I too have a 2 year old, hes 30 lbs. Yes you should'nt lift post surgery but I didn't have much of a choose, hes very active and a climber, even with child-proofing. My hardest problem was bending down, even at the knees. Its been about 2 weeks post-op and everythings fine, but I still try not to lift him.

Vera:)

i was banded 8-18 with a girl who has a 10 month old... her mother stayed with her the first 3 days and the next 3 she didnt pick her up- she has an 8 year old to help her. but on sunday she said she couldnt take it anymoe and just from missing the hugs she held her more. i dont see how one could do it alone. i was completely dependant last week. everytime i wanted a drink i would get up and go to the fridge but i had my boyfriend beside me just in case!

if she has a daycare that she uses normally maybe she could still keep the baby there through the day and just care for her in the evening????

goodluck!!!!

michelle

ps check out this site of a bandster at goal i think 3 years out. she post on this site as 'coffee wench'

http://www.geocities.com/robinh26/lapband.html

I was banded 8/19 and have a 3 year old. My grandparents took her on vacation for a week so I could recover. My husband took care of me and they took care of my daughter. I would STRONGLY suggest having a family member or friend help her out with taking care of the child. She will have a much easier recovery that way.