Traveling after surgery!

[NinaB 16]

Hi Everyone,

I am having my Surgery Oct 27th. I live in California and will be traveling to Washington DC to visit my in-laws on Nov 13. I was wondering if i could please get some feed back on people who had the surgery. My question is.. How did you feel 2 weeks post op? Energy? Pain? Were you able to go out and walk ? Any feedback helps. Thank you!

[DangerMouse007 105]

I was told not to do any major travel for at least a month post-op. My doctor and his team were worried about blood clots post-op. I purposely scheduled my surgery after a 10 day trip across the country and didn't schedule another flight until about 2 months post-op. So first off I would recommend at least being able to get up and move around every hour or so while you're traveling. I'm guessing your doc would say the same or something similar.

As far as pain, everybody is different, but I only had some discomfort for a day or two after I came out of the hospital. That was normally due to how I sleep (on my side) which irritated a couple of my incisions. Fortunately I never had any issues feeling weak. I was pretty much moving and walking around as soon as they moved me out of the recovery room after the operation.

Good luck and have fun!

[gpmed 623]

At two weeks post-op, I was still sore but off of narcotics. I was taking Tylenol around the clock. The soreness made it difficult to sit in normal chairs. I went out to see a movie one night and was pretty uncomfortable the next day due to the seat and wearing jeans instead of yoga pants.

My biggest complaint was GI upset. My stomach was rumbling and grumbling all the time and I definitely needed the nausea med I was sent home with.

I was also extremely fatigued. Even taking a shower felt really strenuous.

Personally, I really wouldn't have enjoyed traveling anywhere at that time. I was miserable enough just getting by day to day at home, sorry to say.

[GAWildKat 82]

I was told not to do any major travel for at least a month post-op. My doctor and his team were worried about blood clots post-op. I purposely scheduled my surgery after a 10 day trip across the country and didn't schedule another flight until about 2 months post-op. So first off I would recommend at least being able to get up and move around every hour or so while you're traveling. I'm guessing your doc would say the same or something similar.

As far as pain, everybody is different, but I only had some discomfort for a day or two after I came out of the hospital. That was normally due to how I sleep (on my side) which irritated a couple of my incisions. Fortunately I never had any issues feeling weak. I was pretty much moving and walking around as soon as they moved me out of the recovery room after the operation.

Good luck and have fun!

I had my surgery in Feb. I was supposed to have it in Jan but as soon as my surgeon learned of my planned trip to visit the inlaws 2 weeks after surgery he cancelled my surgery. He made it very clear I could visit my inlaws before my surgery or I could wait a month postop. Complications were a concern. However, he was concerned a family member might push me to eat regular food too soon and set back my recovery. Being the holiday season is almost upon us. I would say your surgeon would have similar concerns about traveling, especially flying. My trip was within the same state

[NinaB 16]

Thank you for the fed back. I had some concerns about blood clots and sitting for so long too. I remember the surgeon mentioning that in a seminar.

Good thing is that we would be doing a lot of walking in DC. This may be good or bad. I will be asking my surgeon too. Thank you again for your responses. Much appreciate it.

[NinaB 16]

I was told not to do any major travel for at least a month post-op. My doctor and his team were worried about blood clots post-op. I purposely scheduled my surgery after a 10 day trip across the country and didn't schedule another flight until about 2 months post-op. So first off I would recommend at least being able to get up and move around every hour or so while you're traveling. I'm guessing your doc would say the same or something similar.

As far as pain, everybody is different, but I only had some discomfort for a day or two after I came out of the hospital. That was normally due to how I sleep (on my side) which irritated a couple of my incisions. Fortunately I never had any issues feeling weak. I was pretty much moving and walking around as soon as they moved me out of the recovery room after the operation.

Good luck and have fun!

I had my surgery in Feb. I was supposed to have it in Jan but as soon as my surgeon learned of my planned trip to visit the inlaws 2 weeks after surgery he cancelled my surgery. He made it very clear I could visit my inlaws before my surgery or I could wait a month postop. Complications were a concern. However, he was concerned a family member might push me to eat regular food too soon and set back my recovery. Being the holiday season is almost upon us. I would say your surgeon would have similar concerns about traveling, especially flying. My trip was within the same state

Wow! Well maybe i will give them a call. See what they think. Thank you for sharing your experience with me.

[tiggerbug 70]

I was told no flying for at least a month

[jess9395 5,448]

Interesting considering all the people who have surgery out of the country (like Mexico) and then fly home within the week!

I say ask your doctor.

[DangerMouse007 105]

Interesting considering all the people who have surgery out of the country (like Mexico) and then fly home within the week!

I say ask your doctor.

I thought the same thing when my doc said no flying, but I just did what he said. LOL! Maybe their doctors make sure to let their patients know to move around as much as they can while flying so that they're not in the same position for more than 1-2 hours at a time.

Somebody else brought it up, but I would make sure you have the right foods available to eat at your destination. And make sure your family is aware of your dietary needs.

[2twinkle 86]

Hey Nina,

The docs are worried about blood clots in your legs. Getting up and moving at least every hour should resolve the issue.

I live 6 hours away from mayo Clinic. My surgery was Thursday and I was cleared to travel home the following Monday, provided I promise to do my walking. I was not in pain, but a bit tired and anxious to get home. My controlling son was driving, and he was happy to have a cigarette when I walked.

Then I got a granddaughter to stay with me and cleaned my whole house. I took it easy and made use of her 10 year old legs when I needed to. It was fun. Amazing the stuff I was holding on to that no longer served me!

Two weeks post-op I drove to Iowa, 9 hours away. Alone. I just stopped often and walked. It was a marvelous trip. I had only lost 25 pounds, yet I was happy, confident, and hopeful.

You will be so happy you made this decision, the small stuff just melts away. Bariatric Pal is great support, stay hooked in.

[NinaB 16]

Hey Nina,

The docs are worried about blood clots in your legs. Getting up and moving at least every hour should resolve the issue.

I live 6 hours away from mayo Clinic. My surgery was Thursday and I was cleared to travel home the following Monday, provided I promise to do my walking. I was not in pain, but a bit tired and anxious to get home. My controlling son was driving, and he was happy to have a cigarette when I walked.

Then I got a granddaughter to stay with me and cleaned my whole house. I took it easy and made use of her 10 year old legs when I needed to. It was fun. Amazing the stuff I was holding on to that no longer served me!

Two weeks post-op I drove to Iowa, 9 hours away. Alone. I just stopped often and walked. It was a marvelous trip. I had only lost 25 pounds, yet I was happy, confident, and hopeful.

You will be so happy you made this decision, the small stuff just melts away. Bariatric Pal is great support, stay hooked in.

Awwww.. Thank you... Yea i been hearing different things. I ended up calling my surgeons office this morning. They said i should be okay. I might just experience a little fatigue. They said a lot of people fly after surgery. Walking was recommended every hour. I think I'm going to play it by ear.. And maybe wait to decide if I'll go on that trip.

[larac05 41]

I flew to St. Thomas exactly 2 weeks post op and had no trouble. I just made sure I didn't carry heavy bags and took my Protein Shakes with me. Good luck!

[NinaB 16]

I flew to St. Thomas exactly 2 weeks post op and had no trouble. I just made sure I didn't carry heavy bags and took my Protein Shakes with me. Good luck!

Thank you! Thats what i am planning too.. No carry on bags .. And my Protein powders. Thanks for sharing!