I'm not at all scared about the surgery and have full confidence in my choice of doctors (Dr. Aceves), but I'm worried about coming back home. I'm so fat and out of shape that a flight of stairs or walking a half block really winds me and I know it can be a realy long walk in some airports. I'm worried about how much pain I'll be in and if I'll be able to walk, stand in line for security, walk some more, etc. I know that the airport when I get home it's a very long trek from the gate back up to the area where you meet people who are waiting for you and I'll be leaving from San Diego and have no idea what that airport is like. I also worry about things like hoisting my carry on up onto the security belt and putting it in the overhead on the plane. I'm flying solo so I won't have anyone there to help me if I need it.

How bad of shape am I going to be in for traveling 4 days after surgery?

I can't answer your questions because I have not gone yet, but was wondering when you are going to have your surgery? I am also going to Dr. Aceves.

If you can't do the walking ask for assistance to the gate - wheelchair or electric cart. They do that all the time for people who are mobility impaired for many different reasons. Ask for assistance in lifting your luggage into the overhead. It'll be ok.

I can't answer your questions because I have not gone yet, but was wondering when you are going to have your surgery? I am also going to Dr. Aceves.

May 10th. When is yours?

I was fine. It was not a big deal. I felt good and ready to travel by the time I was dismissed from the hospital. I had plenty of time at the San Diego airport to take my time getting to the gate to wait for the plane.

Don't pack a lot in your suit case. You don't really need anything other than a thin robe and flip flops.It will be hot in Mexicali this time of year. I wore loose fitting capri pj bottoms and a big tshirt in the hospital. I had loose fitting clothes I wore on both flights to the hospital and back home.

Feel free to ask me anything . It will be two years soon since I saw Dr. Aceves and I remember quite well how beautiful it was outside and how much I loved taking walks every day around the hospital.

I called while I was in mexico and asked for assistance. they had a wheelchair waiting for me and let me get on the plane first I even got bulkhead seats once! The flight back was even easier than the flight there. Just call the airlines and lethtem know you had surgery.

I had to fly from San Diego into Houston and then into Florida after having my surgery in Mexico. YES it is a long walk in some airports, Houston's was huge. So, once I got dropped off to check in at San Diego airport I told them that I needed wheel chair assistance because I was recovering from surgery and they were great about it. The man wheeled me and my carry on bag all the way to my gate and I gave him a tip. The woman at the gate put instructions in the computer for me to be met by a wheel chair or an indoor airport shuttle upon arriving in Houston and Jacksonville, Florida. You don't have anything to worry about. If they tag your luggage the assistant will stop you by to retrieve it while they take you where you need to go once you arrive and if not, one of the airline staff will put it overhead for you :-) I flew Continental, I am sure the other airlines will be just as helpful. The weight of your baggage and purse to tug all the way through the airport at a brisk pace is over doing it, so believe me you are not alone. My pain wasn't that bad, but I still needed the helping hand.

I live in San Diego and the airport is not that big. Especially if you're flying Southwest - if that's the case you don't have far to walk at all. Security is near the entrance and you go up an escalator and down a hall and the gates are right there.

I also had surgery with Dr. Aceves. I had terrible nausea after surgery and couldn't eat or drink - had to stay on IV. I was a little weak on the drive home but not nearly as bad as I thought I would be.... I think I'm probably the minority as well - most of the other women were up and walking around and feeling fine.

I live in San Diego and the airport is not that big. Especially if you're flying Southwest - if that's the case you don't have far to walk at all. Security is near the entrance and you go up an escalator and down a hall and the gates are right there.

I also had surgery with Dr. Aceves. I had terrible nausea after surgery and couldn't eat or drink - had to stay on IV. I was a little weak on the drive home but not nearly as bad as I thought I would be.... I think I'm probably the minority as well - most of the other women were up and walking around and feeling fine.

I'm flying Alaska. I hate to bring extra attention to myself by asking for that kind of help and having to ride in a wheel chair, but I guess I will if I have to.

I'm going to travel very light and not check anything, so that will be one less step. I'm taking a small wheeled bag and a big purse, which can be draped around the handle of the wheeled one so I won't have to actually carry anything.

May 10th. When is yours?

April 28th. I will keep you posted on how it goes :D

I had to fly from San Diego into Houston and then into Florida after having my surgery in Mexico. YES it is a long walk in some airports, Houston's was huge. So, once I got dropped off to check in at San Diego airport I told them that I needed wheel chair assistance because I was recovering from surgery and they were great about it. The man wheeled me and my carry on bag all the way to my gate and I gave him a tip. The woman at the gate put instructions in the computer for me to be met by a wheel chair or an indoor airport shuttle upon arriving in Houston and Jacksonville, Florida. You don't have anything to worry about. If they tag your luggage the assistant will stop you by to retrieve it while they take you where you need to go once you arrive and if not, one of the airline staff will put it overhead for you :-) I flew Continental, I am sure the other airlines will be just as helpful. The weight of your baggage and purse to tug all the way through the airport at a brisk pace is over doing it, so believe me you are not alone. My pain wasn't that bad, but I still needed the helping hand.

I am also in Jacksonville, FL. Sounds like I will be taking the same path back as you did... flying out of San Diego into Houston and then back to Jax.

Luckily, I was able to book non-stop flights to and from Portland and San Diego so at least I won't have to change planes or anything.

I had a carry on that I made sure I could carry. The San Diego airport was really easy to navigate. When I got home my plane landed on the opposite side of the airport from customs it was a bit of a walk but I actually did fine. My carry on started to get heavy in the customs line up so I started to drag it. Guess it all depends on how you are feeling. I stayed an extra day in Mexicali (at the hotel) and it made a world of difference for me.