I am scheduled to have my lapband removed/revised to the VSG on February 20th. I have a two year daughter, Annabelle. Any tips/tricks on how to handle caring for her post-surgery? I am planning on having my husband take her to daycare for the time I am off work to recovery(approximately 9 days), but don't know how to handle when I am at home with her. I am sure that she will want to crawl on me and/or have me pick her up. How long after surgery before you were able to lift children?

I have 2 toddlers. I had to have my sister stay over for m-f and hubby did weekends. I made meal schedules. This lasted for 6 weeks for me, even then It was impossible to lift them for a bit. The babies understood I had a boo-boo and to be gentle with my stomach. I had my surgery in Nov and I still can't lift my double stroller. I lost so much strength during recovery, I do the walking everyday. And just started going to the gym.

But everyone is different. I know a friend who went back to work a week later and biked it! I hope its easier for you!

Following to see what tips you get! By the time I get to surgery my boy will be around 1 and he’s already 20 pounds. The surgery doesn’t make me nervous for the long term, it’s just getting through surgery and recovery that are nerve wracking to plan and prepare for.

I know that having a dog and having a child are NOTHING alike, but I can just say that pre-op, I had to carry my 35lb dog very often (putting him to bed, in the car, etc.). I’m one week out from surgery and I can’t totally lift him yet, but I can lift enough to change his position and get him situated in the car. Based on my strength right now, I feel like I’ll be able to lift him normally in 1-2 weeks (hopefully).

Also, in the beginning he did express interest in walking and climbing on me when I was laying down, but after a few times of being told no, and also probably sensing my anxiety, he keeps a safe distance now.

I hope that helps in some small way!