I'm currently staying home with my 3 year old and 4 month old and I am starting the process for the lap band. I am just wondering what kind of recovery to expect and how long I would need help for, especially when it comes to things like lifting the baby.

Thanks.

You'll need to check with your surgeon. You will have lifting restriction for at least 2 weeks, maybe longer. THe limit ranges from 10-15 pounds. I know the kiddos need to be picked up etc but it's really important that you not strain while you're healing. Your surgeon can give you some coping tips, too.

A lot of surgeons place lifting restrictions on you for 4 weeks. I was walking on the beach the day after my surgery and back to work within 5 days, however my kids were old enough that we didn't have to worry about picking them up...

I was wondering about that as well. I have a really heavy and tall 3 year old that always wants to be picked up. He's 40lbs and 4ft tall. I don't know what I am going to do for 2 weeks, let alone 4. My only idea is to sit on the floor with him and hold him when he needs me. Anyone else have advice?

Thanks for starting this thread :smile:

I too stay home and I had 4 year old in preK4 at the time, along w/twin 13 year olds, 4/08. I was in bed for almost 2 weeks and uncomfortable for at least 1 month. I wasnt walking around the block next day and had trouble sleeping(positions), which made days groggy. I had help for 3 weeks with driving, groceries, dry clean drop off/pick up, etc.

Since your kiddos are so little, its good to have extra help, it will make recovery smoother and youll keep your sanity :smile:

Hubs did much when he came home from work too, dont forget that xtra pair of hands!

Shellynnrn: Sit on floor, hold on couch, and I would bring my little one in bed with me and we would watch cars, just be close. My son was just too big for me to pick up, hubbs did instead and I did lots of lap holding.

Congrats and Good luck!

mads

Edited March 21, 200917 yr by maddy

I'm a single mom of 3 boys. A 11 yr old, and twin 2 and a half year olds when I had my surgery. They've just turned 3. One of my twins is VERY much disabled. He has cerebral palsy. I had to lift on him.

I came home the same day. My neice was here, but she literally did nothing. I had to lift on him that day. He was 25 pounds. RIGHT AT My surgeon's limits. I kept him often in a stroller, or a high chair (I have one that sits on the floor) and I would just sit with him. For nap times I laid down with them. Napping just helped. I didn't have the luxury of help. I had no choice. So I did. It took me longer to be completely pain free, but it was like 2 weeks and I was back to me. I was doing laundry the next day. I was taking care of my boys the same day. I came home dinner time, and ended up with my father's help putting them to bed that night. Then the next morning my neice showed up. Yes my 11 yr old was a great help. He did things to keep the boys busy at times. But all in all I did it alone, and I'm fine.

Teri

Thanks for all the replies. This gives me a better idea of what kind of help I'll need. Luckily my mother in law lives near by and is very supportive so I know she'll help. We just got a mini van which my 3 year old and get in and out of herself ( I have back issues to begin with) so I don't have to lift her and my 4 month old isn't very heavy yet. I'll just have to not lug around that infant carrier.

It also helps me hear that people with children have done this. Part of me feels guilty for even taking the risk of surgery when I have kids but I feel like I have to save myself to be a better mom.