My church is planing a couple mission trips to go help with the earthquake victims in Haiti. I am only 4 days post op right now, so I know now is out of the question. But is there any reason that I shouldnt be able to go in the near future? The different foods? Doctor care? etc? Any thoughts?

I would be very leery about going for the sheer fact the medical care right now down there is nil. If you get sick, physically sick and irritate your band to the point that you can't drink or eat, you will be in a world of hurt with no one to help you. Forget about finding a lap band doc - much less any doc that will be able to come to your aid.

IF you decide to chance it and go, please make sure that any Water you drink is sanitary (bottled if you can) and any food you eat is also. Talk to your band doc about going and see if there are any shots he recommends before you go and ask him/her for tips. Hate to be dramatic but it could be a matter of life and death for you.

I know it sounds like I'm discouraging you from going, but you do have to be aware that you are special concerns that may not be able to be addressed if you get down there and have problems.

Your compassion is commendable.

emjay has given you some really good advice. I hope you will take it. Your compassion is wonderful but I suggest that you find a ways & means to help from a home base right now. Water, sleeping quarters, bathrooms, & food is in very very short supply. You have to consider your own healing and health right now.

Might I suggest holding off and healing first then going down to help rebuild? The need isn't going to disappear overnight. You will be of more help once you have healed yourself.

That being said, my husband and I did a mission trip to Jamaica. I cannot even imagine going now - I'm 6 days post op. There is NO way I could have done what we did before in the condition I am in now. The weight limit to pick up things alone would have been a disaster.