I"m have surgery 4-23, hubby is taking 7 days of leave, and I have my Mom nearby. I have a 4 yr old, (won't be lifting her) and a nine month old. She's about 20lbs. I for sure won't lift anything for a week, but after that, could I pick her up out of her crib? Out of the high chair? I feel like I pick her up often, she's crawling and getting into things, so yeah it's about 50 times a day! I'm just wanting to prepare the best way, to tell my Mom what exactly she'll need to be helping with and for how long....so how long did you all wait?

Everyone is different. I treated it like my gallbladder surgery and was exercising within the week(not hard) You do what you are able to do. Doesn't help does it?

The best thing to do is have this exact conversation with your doctor and see what he/she suggests is best for you.

i don't have kids...but 2 20lb dogs. I didn't feel "good" about lifting them until 2 weeks out - but at that point I was a lifting machine! i think it's all about what works for you and what your doc says is right.

I have a 8 month old, 4 and 6 year old as well. I got banded on 3/17/08. My dr told me nothing heavier than 10 lbs for the first week, then add 5 pounds each week thereafter. However, the help wore out after week one and my husband had to go away for three days during week 2. So badically I just followed the lifting regulations for one week. Then at my 10 day post-op appt, my Dr said lifting the baby (20lbs and carrier) was fine. Hope that helps....

I have a 30 lb 15 month old boy and 2 other kids that are too big to pick up, but I was lifting the baby in and out of bed and the tub less than 1 week out. I had NO other options, but I dont think I would suggest it.