Hi all,

I'm waiting for insurance approval but I have some questions about travel AFTER surgery.

I work for a theme cruise company and part of my job is going on cruises (I know, it's a TOUGH gig!) I have major cruises coming up in Jan & Feb but wondered if I could cruise just a couple of weeks after surgery.

I'm debating whether to try to get surgery in before we cruise or wait until late Feb to have surgery.

Would love to hear some thoughts and words of wisdom for those who

I felt amazing within three weeks of surgery. I was back to most of my normal activities - the only reservation was that I tried not to lift anything too heavy for a few more weeks. I suspect you will be fine if your surgery goes smoothly and you have a history of recovering quickly and well from illnesses, etc. Good luck.

many people take 3 weeks off work and don't feel completely energetic enough to put in full days in 2 weeks.

I know that for medical issues in general, a cruise ship is a good place to be as you can get full medical response from pretty much anywhere on a ship within 3 minutes. But ... what I would wonder about is whether they have the means to diagnose gastrointestinal issues such that if something were to arise (leak), would they be able to begin appropriate treatment? Now, I understand leaks are rare, but it wouldn't hurt to ask about the ship's ability to assist you if there was an issue and of course, I would tell the medical team your history and that you were on board.

Otherwise, I would say go for it.

Thanks all! I so appreciate the info. You have given me much to consider!!

Barring any complications and depending on what activities you will be doing on board you should be ok. You will need to bring you protein shakes with you so check with the cruise line about how that works. The "big name" cruise lines have the capabilities to have a mini ICU On board until the either get to a port or fly a patient out. I would see what their protocol is and what your insurance covers in case of a complication simply because you will be outside the US. other than that you should be fine.