Surgery and Travel...how soon can I travel after surgery?

[twil1980 2]

Hello everyone! I just got approved last Monday for sleeve surgery. I am going to Europe on March 29 for 2 1/2 weeks.

What would you say the cutoff date is for my surgery? Or do you recommend waiting until I get back?

My surgeon said 6-8 weeks recovery but I am worried about dumping, finding things I can eat/drink/etc.

I will be doing a ton of walking which is good. I really don't want to wait until May to have surgery but I also don't want to be trying to find a bathroom every few minutes. Any problems with dumping or sickness?

Thank you!

[old_rn 110]

No sickness but I was on Clear Liquids for 2 weeks post op and that did cause some bathroom issues. I had some tiredness also the first couple of weeks too. I went on vacation 5 days post op but it was all on my time. I could rest when I needed and use the bathroom when I needed. I am not sure I would have tried Europe even as good as I felt. But you know yourself best and you should also ask your surgeon what he thinks. He might not want you going so far away.Good luck and glad you got approval

[Bufflehead 6,358]

For that kind of vacation, I probably would have waited a minimum of four weeks in terms of energy and until I was off purees and onto soft foods in terms of finding appropriate eating choices while on vacation/in another country. I have had no issues with needing bathrooms more than before, getting "sick," etc. but I am not sure I would have wanted to be tromping around Europe until I had my full strength back.

[borg/assimilated 576]

I asked my nurse about international travel after surgery and she said they want us to wait three months.

[samuelsmom 670]

If you are having the sleeve, then dumping is not usually a problem. I am 2 months out and think I could probably handle a trip now. i have been fortunate and haven't been sick at all. If your doctor can get you in before the end of the month, or maybe the first week in Feb, I would probably go for it. After that, probably not. I was approved the first week of November and had my surgery on the 19th and I have read quite a few other posts where people have had surgery within a few weeks of being approved. I would recommend calling your surgeon's office right away and discussing this with them.

[livvsmum 2,368]

I would say definitely talk with your surgeon (as I am sure you will). I travelled for business from PA to Utah for a week 3 weeks after surgery. There were some moments where I felt really drained of energy, but no real issues with the travel.

[StratusPhr 127]

I flew to Dallas for surgery. I stayed here for two weeks, I traveled to Longview (3 hours) when I was discharged, then back to Dallas for my one week checkup. For week #2 of recovery, we went to Galveston for a week (5 hours), then back to Dallas for my 2 week appt with Dr. Davidson. After that, I flew back home. Dr. D's instructions were, stop the car once every hour and get out and walk around the car. When I flew home, I was told to get up and walk down the isle once an hour. I had to do this for the first six weeks.

[greatestnameever 49]

I'm having my surgery next week and traveling to Japan exactly two months after, which my doctor said was fine. I think it depends on what your doctor recommends, but I wanted to definitely be able to eat some solids in Japan, you know?

[twil1980 2]

Thanks everyone!! I think I'm probably going to wait and enjoy my trip instead of worrying about foods, etc. I really appreciate your responses!

[Lindsey Skinner Abbott 97]

I live in Germany and travel often. I have not had my sugery done yet...I am scheduled in a week! I would not travel over here that soon after sugery. It is difficult to find foods that you can eat or would like to eat. Walking will wear you out.Bathrooms can also be a issue. Most bathrooms are not public so you cannot just go in and use the bathroom. I think you will enjoy your trip much more if you dont have to worry about what/when you have to eat. Enjoy your travels! This has been the best three years of my life living over here!

[cathj1978 2]

I'm getting my operation on 2 nd Feb and I was advised not allowed to travel until minimum 6 weeks

[twil1980 2]

Thank you for the advice everyone! I really appreciate it

I just talked to the surgeon's office today and my pre-op appointment will be March 23rd and I will have surgery end of April.

The soonest I could get in was beginning of March so no go with getting surgery before my trip.

Now hopefully I can relax and enjoy the trip. My old self can go out with a bang in Europe.

Thanks!