I am hoping to wrap up my savings (self pay) to get my sleeve soon. I live in Indiana and plan to go to Las Vegas for the surgery. It'd be quite far to drive but not too excited about flying either. For the people who traveled to get surgery did you drive (not literally you but someone else)? We're you more comfortable being in your own car or did you fly? Was it uncomfortable being cooped up on a plane after just having surgery?

I don't know how far your travels will be as I'm an Aussie with very little knowledge of US geography :S ... but I traveled 3.5 hours by car for my op. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be at all. I spent 2 nights in hospital after my surgery and was feeling pretty good at discharge. I just used the time to sip my Water slowly while my mother drove the car.

I was comfortable sitting up and the benefit of your own car is that you have the flexibility to stop whenever you need and get up and stretch (or check into a hotel for the night if you can't tolerate any more travelling for the day).

I used my house renovation savings for the surgery. My new roof will just have to wait a bit longer because my health is more important to me than a leaky roof. I'm in my 4th week post-op now and have absolutely no regrets. Definitely worth the cost for a new lease on life

Congrats on making the decision. It took me over a year to finally decide to do it while I watched one of my friends shrink down to the stunning figure that she has now.

I traveled from the east coast to San Diego/Tijuana for my surgery and back. I was just tired on the way back, but no issues with pain or anything. Just really really tired.

Did you drive in car

My surgeon wouldn't let me travel by plane until one week post op. I live in Chicago and had my surgery in NC. I travelled about 2.5 hours away in a car to a friend's house by car to recover for the week. Everything was fine in the car and later on the plane. Just make sure that your seat belts don't touch any of your incisions.

Edited May 19, 201511 yr by princess20

do you know where in las vegas u are having the surgery?

I'm here in las vegas and Dr Atkinson did mine let me know if u need any support.

good luck

I didn't travel, but I work in health care. Just wanted to mention that whether you drive or fly, make sure that you are up and walking at least every 2 hours for a few minutes to prevent blood clots. It's actually important for everyone even if you haven't just had surgery. Staying hydrated also helps, so keep sipping your water. Good luck!

I traveled in a car for the 4 hour return trip. I was fine. We stopped at a gas station about half way so I could use the restroom, move around, and stretch my legs. I had taken a pillow, and put it over my stomach to cushion the seatbelt and give support over bumps etc... a great tip I got from a friend that had been sleeved. I read my book, played games on my phone, and sipped a VitaminWater Zero all the way home.