2 under 2

Hey all, I have 2 boys that are 2.5 years and 10 months old. I’m looking to see what I can do as far as lifting them after surgery. My wife had c-sections and lifted them when she got home (against doctors orders obviously) but I feel like if she could do it, why couldn’t I? I get that they are 2 completely different surgeries but I know my 2.5 year old is going to want daddy to pick him up and hug him. And I don’t know that I can say no. Any information or advice will be beneficial as I continue through this process.