Worried about work.. lifting kids?

Hi all,

I am planning on self paying for vsg. My biggest worry is my job, which I love. I work in a preschool, mostly with infants. I plan on taking 3wks off, but now I'm concerned because of the lifting limits. Our biggest infant is probably over 20lbs, and I'm sure I could just say I can't lift her, but the other babies weigh probably 13-19lbs. I also have to bend over to pick them up. 

Any idea how long it will be before I can perform these physical tasks? 

My instructions were nothing bigger than a gallon of milk for 8 weeks. Some surgeons are less. 

Thanks. I'm thinking I may have to give up my place in the infant room, and work with older kids who don't need to be picked up. Which stinks, cuz I love my babies. But, it's worth it for the vsg. 

I'm sure it's easier to go back to a desk job than working with kids. My job is really physical, and mentally tiring. Kids are great, but they sure do wear yout out when there's 14-25 of them in 1 room. I'm concerned about the lifting, and the exhaustion that will come with lack of calories and adjusting to the surgery. My boss is usually pretty understanding, but I'm worried it will be 6wks+ before I can perform my duties as usual.

I was told not to lift anything over 25 lbs for the first six weeks

Janet

That gives me some hope, because I don't think many of them are over 25lbs. I will just have to go by my specific surgeons guidlines and also how my own body is feeling.

I had a similar problem and concerns.  I own a Doggie Day Care and I needed to know how long it would be before I could go back to work in order to make a hundred decisions and arrangements for my clients.

I specialize in small dogs and most are under 20 lbs.  When I asked my surgeon he told me that in all abdominal surgery the general rule is 10 lbs for 6 weeks but he said that he had no problem with my lifting up to 20 lbs after my 2nd week.  As long as I was gently lifting and not straining my abdomen with 20 lb weights.

I decided to take two weeks off and only take tiny dogs for the next two weeks.  As it turned out, I felt so good and was so bored I opened up again after a week.  And, taking my doctors advise, I lifted dogs up to 20 lbs, gently and bending at the knee.  No problems.

Explain your situation to your surgeon and ask his advise.  Everyone else that works for him will just give you the 10 lb line because it's the general rule of thumb.

My surgeon said nothing over 10lbs for 2 weeks and then nothing over 20lbs for another 2 weeks and no taking out the garbage for 8 weeks.  Ok, he did not say the last part but my wife does not need know that. 

 Your response about the trash made me laugh. I needed that today.....thanks. 

LOL I was like what??