Found out today, I'm off work until Feb 6th.... I really want to go on vacation that last week. How soon did you travel via car?? Plane?? Did you have to take any special precautions??

I'm thinking of flying to Florida to visit one of my sisters and escaping the brutal Chicago winter... Thoughts?

I went on a out of state road trip in October 2011, 2 months after my surgery. Everything was OK except eating out. That was a challenge for me, since it was all new.

I travelled a long haul flight, from Sydney Aus to New York at 7 weeks post op.

The flying was fine, ate small bits of the provided meals, I had no restrictions at that point.

However the actual travel part as hard, being out of a routine and getting the right food in was a bit hard. Had some exhaustion as I was not getting enought food in to fuel me as I was running around all day.

You should be OK but get your doctor's approval first. Some good pureed fast food I've had is mashed potatoes at KFC, meat inside of a soft taco at Taco Bell or Taco Bueno, chili at Wendy's (chew up the beans before swallowing), and top of a cheese pizza slice at Pizza Hut.

I went to So Cal (400 mile one way road trip) three weeks after surgery. I packed stuff to eat in a little cooler bag. I still got tired really easy at 3 weeks and had to take a nap every day. Also, I couldn't wait till 8 p.m. for dinner, which is when my family liked to eat, so I just ate a little early.

I packed Water, Protein powder, yogurt, instant decaf coffee, and lunchmeat. When we ate out, I had shrimp or crab cocktail. I had yogurt for Breakfast, lunchmeat at lunchtime, shrimp, crab, chicken, or Soup for dinner and two Protein drinks a day (one midmorning and one after dinner).

Lynda

Thanks!!. My brother-in-law is a chef and I cook as well..so, we should be able to make the food thing work... I guess... I'm more concerned about the toll on my body....

I missed one of my naps today... Me = a mad baby!!! (pout and all!!) LOL

I'll have surgery in February and will be going home by car (Dallas to Albuquerque) 5 days post-op and Dr. Kim has no problem with it. Not that I'm looking forward to that part of it... :s Keep up your liquids while traveling!

I traveled 4 hours by car 8 days post op with zero issues. Have fun!

I suggest you tell your sister you will take naps daily and not to make a ton of plans so you don't feel pressured. You might not even have to take naps at that time though, but I think it will set the tone of the vacation. I would return to Chicago two days before going back to work to plan meals, clothing and rest!

The Florida sun, family & your brother in laws yummy meals will do you GOOD! Have fun!

PS. If you are coming to NE Florida, I would love to meet you!

Thanks guys!!

Longer-life, don't play!!! I LOVE to travel!!! I'll be knocking on your door!!! LOL... You're so awesome!!!

I'm not kidding. I hope your sister lives nearby. I will email you.

WOW!! you're taking a long time off of work. Have fun on those off days I only took a week during Spring Break and went back to work the next week. My recovery time was very smooth. Congrats and much success to you..

I took a 150 mile car trip last Thursday and we stopped in the middle for a rest. I have a history of blood clots, and am on lovenox for 4 weeks after surgery, so I would add that getting up on the plane ride and staying hydrated are important. Have fun in Florida!! My mom is here from there right now! Feb is always a nice time to fly south with the snowbirds!!

Hugs,

Kimmie