Post-op lifting restrictions

What were you allowed to lift?  In particular, those with small children...when could you lift your babies?  I have a 1 yo.  She will be14 mos at the time of my surgery.  At my one on one with Dr. Evanson, he said I could lift her right away but I don't know if he meant really lift her or just hold her once she was on me.   I don't think he is a daddy yet and he certainly isn't a mommy so this is really something I need an answer to. TIA

I was told 10 pounds, or approximately a gallon of milk.  At 14 months she should be able to "help" with lifting.  If your procedure is done laproscopically you will not endanger yourself as much as if your procedure is open.  An open procedure will run a greater risk of hernia if you lift too much too soon. It will also make a difference if you are picking her up from a level surface, like from her crib, or if you are bending to pick her up from the floor.  Have her stand or climb on the sofa before you pick her up.  Bending over to the floor for anything may prove difficult at first.  Bending over and picking up a child will be especially hard on you. Be sure to have someone to help with her (and your) care for the first several days.

Tia, I think your child's nature/temperment may have some to do with your decision to lift/hold her very early out. My 2 yr old grandson is pretty calm and built small. With my hernia and open stomach wound, I have no problem lifting him up onto my lap and he stays very still while he visits with me. My 3 1/2 yr old granddaughter though? While she could help more with the getting up on my lap part, she is hyper compared to little RJ...so I don't hold her at all. I have her climb on a chair next to me so we can 'girl gab'. The 2 1/2 yr old granddaughter, she's solid so someone has to put her on my lap for me..but she stays pretty still so I can hold her for a little while. But when she has the slightest desire to get down, I immediately let her slide off my lap so I don't strain anything.  I think you'll probably want someone to put her on your lap the first few days. After about a week or so, maybe you could manage it with just her helping, just don't over-do it. Sherri

Tia, I was told for the first 3 wks to not lift anything over the weight of 2 gallons of milk. After 3 wks I was unlimited.  Hope this helps. Jenny

 I agree with everyone here- please be careful right after surgery.I doubt he means bending & lifting, I know I couldn't lift a gal. of milk at first, but hopefully you will be able to line up some help for the first week, or so. You'll do great, just keep posting & oh, btw,  Dr. E has twins, so he's more aware than we realize, other than the fact he hasn't needed the surgery- - be he does know his business!!! (((((hugs))))) Ellen