How long until being able to only lift 10 pounds turns into you can lift heavy weight and pull a 100+ pound cart again?

[ElysiaDee 55]

I don't have my surgery date yet or anything, but I have read on here that after surgery you are restricted to being able to pick up only 10 pounds for a while, sometimes even for a couple months for some. I don't drive and bring a cart on the bus to do my grocery and household shopping every month, sometimes I'm pulling over 100 pounds up a hill at a time. This includes things like cat food and kitty liter and having food not just for myself but to feed my son too. I have major anxiety issues so I try doing all the shopping for the month within a few days, so I don't have to be out in busy places so much. I'm wondering how long it took everyone until you can lift and pull really heavy stuff again without hurting yourself and damaging your sleeve?

♡ Elysia

[BigViffer 3,545]

Unfortunately this is going to be very unique to the patient. I was puny for quite a while. I couldn't even push a shopping cart on a polished floor for a couple weeks. Dragging a cart uphill would be pretty daunting. However, there were some poeple on here who literally after a weeks time said they felt completely normal. I think they ust wore a compression wrap around the abdomen while working.

If you turn out like me and are puny post op, there is the option of having Amazon deliver your heavy things like cat litter. Make them carry it up the hill!

[Berry78 4,261]

Plan for 8 weeks. Either stock up prior to surgery (my recommendation), or find someone else to do it (like above).

Even if it is delivered to your door, you still have to bring it inside and store it. Thus my recommendation to stock up.

Put kitty litter and cat food into large covered trash cans, so you will have a 2 month supply ready to go.

Stock up on bottled sugar free drinks. This might go badly since you might not like some after surgery, so you need a variety.

Also, walking after surgery is super important, so do try and come to terms with going out more frequently for shorter trips. (A small bag every day would get you out of the store quicker!)

Think about it. If you now spend 60 minutes in the store while stocking up, how about changing it to 6 ten minute trips? (Or 6 seven minute trips, so you spend LESS time!).

Some grocery stores could have your items already picked out for you if you call ahead with the list.

A smaller store will get you out quicker too.. if there is one available.

[Berry78 4,261]

I missed the fact that you ride the bus (my bad).. so I see that it isn't just the time spent in the store. Is there a store within walking distance to your residence?