Surgery scheduled, need some advice please.

[Ryan TN 348]

Hi, like others, I'm pretty new around here. I think i went to my first step seminar last November, so its been almost a year road for me. I got my surgery date finally today. I am having the sleeve done on Oct. 28th. Here's my concern. My son is graduating from his Army job training sometime in the 2nd week of November, which would be 2 weeks post op. I asked the scheduler I talked to today about this and she said the surgeon likes his patients to be around the area for about 2 weeks post op in case any problems come up. We'll have to travel about 6 hours. For those who've had the sleeve, did you feel up to traveling 2 weeks post op? What about driving? I was pretty embarrassed at the pictures of me when we went to my son's Army basic training graduation, so its kind of a motivation to me to have the surgery before his next graduation. Thoughts about traveling so soon after surgery? I could always reschedule my surgery for sometime in November. Thanks in advance for any advice from those who've been there, done that.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

There is no way to tell. I was fine driving 2 weeks post op. I had a really easy surgical experience. However other are still cramping & gassy. Just walking to the bathroom was a chore. Also if you are on pain meds you aren't allowed to drive and likely will not feel like it. I won't make any plans so soon because chances are you may not be up to it.

[TammyDTM 391]

Your biggest issue will be fatigue. Second, will be getting in your Protein and Water. Please be sure to take a large cooler with pre-made Protein shakes and Water. Also, you will have to be sure to have your medications and Vitamins with you.

I would just check with the surgeons office again and let them know that you plan to make the trip and will take every precaution to be safe and take good care of yourself and get whatever recommendations they may have for you. There may be some other issues after your surgery that you may have to consider for your trip.

Good luck to you and congratulations on your surgery and congratulations to your son!

[gdub23 9]

Ryan,

Everyone recovers differently. It's hard to say how you will do with your own recovery. I felt amazing the day after surgery, but really didn't feel like going too far at the 2 week post op period. I suppose I would have made it happen if I had something important to do, but I am glad I didn't have anywhere to go. Having a restroom in very close proximity is highly recommended at this phase

If you do decide to travel, make sure you have all of the necessary food, drinks, meds and Vitamins to get you through your trip.

Good luck!

Edited September 18, 2015 by gdub23

[Bufflehead 6,358]

Hi Ryan,

I could have done it as a passenger, not as the driver. If you go, make sure you have all your liquids with you and you'll need to stop and get out and walk every hour or so, to prevent formation of blood clots.

Good luck. You have an awesome surgeon and will have a great medical and follow-up team taking care of you.

[Ryan TN 348]

Hi Ryan,

I could have done it as a passenger, not as the driver. If you go, make sure you have all your liquids with you and you'll need to stop and get out and walk every hour or so, to prevent formation of blood clots.

Good luck. You have an awesome surgeon and will have a great medical and follow-up team taking care of you.

Thanks, did you have surgery with new life?

[Bufflehead 6,358]

@@Ryan TN yes, also with Dr. Williams. He is the best! And the floor nurses and nurse anesthesiologist both told me that his patients recover the fastest after surgery because he does such meticulous and careful work.

[Ryan TN 348]

Wow, that sure gives me some confidence. Thanks!

[Ryan TN 348]

@@Ryan TN yes, also with Dr. Williams. He is the best! And the floor nurses and nurse anesthesiologist both told me that his patients recover the fastest after surgery because he does such meticulous and careful work.

I think I've read this somewhere, but where does Dr williams do his surgery, Parkwest or Tennova turkey creek?

[Bufflehead 6,358]

@@Ryan TN Tennova Turkey Creek (unless things have changed very recently). They used to be at Parkwest but moved their practice and hospital center to Tennova a couple of years ago. They take great care of you there -- the whole fourth floor is for bariatric surgery patients.

[vixteror 2]

It's hard to say, everyone is different. I drove myself to my hometown 6 hours away 4 days after my surgery. I was off pain meds and felt great but that's not always the case with everyone. You really won't have the best answer until after your surgery. Best of luck. I think age plays a factor as well. I'm 27 and I think my body healed faster than many.

Edited September 20, 2015 by vixteror