Hello Sleeve Friends,

Exactly 2 weeks post op I will be driving 10 hours to get together with close family and friends for my mother's memorial service. I'm wondering what I should anticipate in terms of pain/discomfort? Will I still have a bloated belly 2 weeks out? Will I have any noticable weight loss by then?

What was your experience 2 weeks out?

First, my condolences on your loss. Your belly will go down significantly. I was back to work in 2 weeks & family & friends told me how noticeably flatter my belly looked.

Sorry for your loss.

I would suggest you plan time to stop, get out of the car and walk around for 5-10 minutes every couple of hours. That will help with any discomfort and reduce the risk of any potential post-surgical blood clots.

You will probably have some noticeable weight loss by then, anywhere from 5-20+ lbs, depending. But, maybe not enough to have to field a ton of inquiries about what you've been doing if you don't feel like it.

I am 10 days out and lost 12 pound pre-op and have already lost 7 more pounds since surgery. My doctor approved me for driving as soon as I wasn't taking pain meds and I had surgery on a Wed., went home on Friday and was driving around (off pain meds) by Monday or Tuesday.

I have a manual transmission car and I am short and previously, it took quite a bit of effort to get my left foot far down to start the car. Pre-op I was able to move my seat a couple of notches forward and driving was much easier. Post-op, I had to put the seat back again, but about 3 days later I was able to move it forward again.

My daughter says she can already tell I've lost weight and my boyfriend who lives with me noticed - if someone who sees you all the time notices - you know that it's noticeable because people who see you all the time see the changes so gradually.

As far as what you eat, you will probably need to plan ahead in order to have your liquids/meals available for you, because it might be a little difficult to get what you need on the road.

Thanks, everyone! So helpful!!

You can get 1% milk at McDonalds and any place that has a bar has tomato juice as does Denny's. If you have been cleared for soft foods yet you can get oatmeal and eggs at Denny's also - be sure and request that your eggs be cooked without extra oil.