Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

BariatricPal

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
  • Cart

vacation after surgery?

So I am planning on going to florida after my surgery to go to disney (my favorite place ever), and I am wondering if any of you went to a theme park after your surgery? If so how long after, and what was your experience like?

  • Replies 15
  • Views 1.8k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Featured Replies

We go to Disney most every year - I had surgery in November 2014 and we were at WDW in May 2015. So, about 7 months. It's just as fun as before, only with less emphasis on alcohol and food. We still ate great stuff, but split everything, obviously - and I drank tons of water. Seriously couldn't get enough water, because Orlando in May is brutal. I was thirsty the whole time we were there. You can find protein/veg options in many places at WDW - just gotta look :) also, a treat here and there is to be expected - you'll be sharing them and walking about 10 miles a day, so it will be ok. Just make good choices within reason and you'll be fine!

I had surgery May 5th and we are going to Disney on July 22nd for two weeks. My doctor said it would be fine after 6 weeks to go if we wanted.

I strongly recommend that you do not undertake a trip to Disney until you are cleared for full activity by your doctor. Even if he says you can fly and you should walk this does NOT mean being on your feet for hours each day standing in line for rides and riding roller coasters. In the weeks post surgery are for RECOVERY from major surgery (aka sick time) rather than vacation days. That being said recovering with a lovely view is not a bad idea. So if you only plan to be on your feet for short stretches (like 30 mins) and the rest and relax the rest of the time then go for it. Just remember that you will need to put ALL your energy into getting in your fluids and protein in the first weeks post surgery.

  • Author

I strongly recommend that you do not undertake a trip to Disney until you are cleared for full activity by your doctor. Even if he says you can fly and you should walk this does NOT mean being on your feet for hours each day standing in line for rides and riding roller coasters. In the weeks post surgery are for RECOVERY from major surgery (aka sick time) rather than vacation days. That being said recovering with a lovely view is not a bad idea. So if you only plan to be on your feet for short stretches (like 30 mins) and the rest and relax the rest of the time then go for it. Just remember that you will need to put ALL your energy into getting in your fluids and protein in the first weeks post surgery.

we are staying on site and the whole trip is to celebrate a one year olds birthday so we will be doing most of the kiddie things and i will probably rent a wheel chair just incase but i do plan on talking to my dr my next visit

  • Author

Also as a former cast member i thought y'all would like to know that anywhere on disney property if you have a dietary restriction or need all you have to do is let the staff know and the chefs will make you something if you need it :) so if you need a smaller portion or are allergic to something/have a gluten intolerance or need something cooked a certain way etc

Btw half the rides at Disney will scare the be Jesus out of a one year old. My little brother cried all through "It's a small world". Fine get a wheelchair. Who is looking out for the one year old and/or pushing your chair? And is there a doctor on call down there if you have a complication. Enjoy your trip!

  • Author

Btw half the rides at Disney will scare the be Jesus out of a one year old. My little brother cried all through "It's a small world". Fine get a wheelchair. Who is looking out for the one year old and/or pushing your chair? And is there a doctor on call down there if you have a complication. Enjoy your trip!

his mom and the family will be there as well and there is a hospital less then 30 minutes of property if anything gets too crazy I'm from orlando originally and family down there too if anything too serious happens but like i said I plan on talking to my surgeon about all of this first and depending on how long it takes to get approved i might just not go or get the surgery after

Btw half the rides at Disney will scare the be Jesus out of a one year old. My little brother cried all through "It's a small world". Fine get a wheelchair. Who is looking out for the one year old and/or pushing your chair? And is there a doctor on call down there if you have a complication. Enjoy your trip!

Your comment about rides scaring kids is on a case by case basis. All 4 of my kids went to both Disneyland and WDW multiple times by the time they were 1 and never had any issues. It's all about exposure and the individual child. Plus it's at the discretion of the adult and what to take them on, and whether or not to hold them close if the child might be scared.

As for a doctor, Disney does have certified nurses and doctors staffing their First aid centers in each park so that in the event of an emergency they can care for the patient until able to be transported elsewhere. Also, if staying at a Disney owned resort and need of a doctor there is an in house doctor that you can call on for an emergency after hours (and if without a vehicle to get you to urgent care). I had to do this for DH a few years ago.

~~~~~

I went to Disneyland 3 months out form surgery. I was fine and fully recovered. No issue there. I would also share food with either my DH or one of our kids. Was at WDW at 9 month post op and there were a few restaurants that I didn't want to share food with anyone and the waitstaff/managers worked with me to provide smaller portions/kids meals due to my dietary needs. All you have to do is ask. Never expect that they will charge you less, but be pleased if they do.

As you know, wear comfortable shoes, remain hydrated, and rest as you need to. You know the parks and know your own limits. Just don't over do it. If you don't get to something then there's always next time. Besides, you'll be going at a slower pace anyways with a 1 year old. Don;t push the thrill rides that have speed or too much jostling just yet. Save them for a future trip.

°o°

  • Author

Btw half the rides at Disney will scare the be Jesus out of a one year old. My little brother cried all through "It's a small world". Fine get a wheelchair. Who is looking out for the one year old and/or pushing your chair? And is there a doctor on call down there if you have a complication. Enjoy your trip!

Your comment about rides scaring kids is on a case by case basis. All 4 of my kids went to both Disneyland and WDW multiple times by the time they were 1 and never had any issues. It's all about exposure and the individual child. Plus it's at the discretion of the adult and what to take them on, and whether or not to hold them close if the child might be scared.

As for a doctor, Disney does have certified nurses and doctors staffing their First aid centers in each park so that in the event of an emergency they can care for the patient until able to be transported elsewhere. Also, if staying at a Disney owned resort and need of a doctor there is an in house doctor that you can call on for an emergency after hours (and if without a vehicle to get you to urgent care). I had to do this for DH a few years ago.

~~~~~

I went to Disneyland 3 months out form surgery. I was fine and fully recovered. No issue there. I would also share food with either my DH or one of our kids. Was at WDW at 9 month post op and there were a few restaurants that I didn't want to share food with anyone and the waitstaff/managers worked with me to provide smaller portions/kids meals due to my dietary needs. All you have to do is ask. Never expect that they will charge you less, but be pleased if they do.

As you know, wear comfortable shoes, remain hydrated, and rest as you need to. You know the parks and know your own limits. Just don't over do it. If you don't get to something then there's always next time. Besides, you'll be going at a slower pace anyways with a 1 year old. Don;t push the thrill rides that have speed or too much jostling just yet. Save them for a future trip.

°o°

thanks:) i have an appointment with my surgeon on the 17 and will be discussing this with him then who knows depending on how long the approval process takes my surgery might end up being after

I took a me-only vacation on my 5th month post-op.

Hopped a flight......first time in a decade that my arse was on a plane. Slid right into the seat like a bawse. No extender needed, thank you very much. I breathed a hyooooge sigh of relief upon doing so.

I arrived at a destination that is known for 24 hr partying and I lost myself there. At some point I also found myself during that week. It was a life-changing trip and one that I hope to repeat at some future point.

I've got a theme park family vacation planned for later next month....I anticipate riding any and every ride that we see......and being able to outtalk anyone in the group.

Looking forward to this bigtime.

I'm leaving for a solo trip in a foreign country about 2 and a half weeks after surgery and joining friends at a resort 6 days after that. My surgeon and NUT said this should be fine but after reading this board I'm mentally preparing myself for the chance that my recovery is not as smooth as they predict and this won't be a good idea. But trying to stay positive!

For the solo trip, I'm just looking forward to taking in an exciting foreign capital at my own pace- walking around, sightseeing, resting when I need it. Won't get to taste the cuisine much at all but I can always go back for that !

  • Author

I took a me-only vacation on my 5th month post-op.

Hopped a flight......first time in a decade that my arse was on a plane. Slid right into the seat like a bawse. No extender needed, thank you very much. I breathed a hyooooge sigh of relief upon doing so.

I arrived at a destination that is known for 24 hr partying and I lost myself there. At some point I also found myself during that week. It was a life-changing trip and one that I hope to repeat at some future point.

I've got a theme park family vacation planned for later next month....I anticipate riding any and every ride that we see......and being able to outtalk anyone in the group.

Looking forward to this bigtime.

I'm going to disney for fathers day haha i use any excuse to go there it is my happy place haha

I just got back from Disney yesterday. I left when I was 3 weeks post-op and felt amazing. Ended up contracting an awful stomach virus and was hospitalized. 5 days of violent diarrhea and severe stomach pain--so bad I thought I was having a post-surgical complication which is why I went to the E/R.

Pros: lots of gatorade/water available, high Protein foods available, lots of walking-great exercise after surgery, great way to reconnect with your family that you are traveling with after spending time recovering from surgery.

Cons: FILTH AND GERMS EVERYWHERE :-) Be as careful as you can be to not catch anything. I would not say I am a chronic hand washer but I wash more than the average person--even that was not enough!

Have a great time and stay hydrated!!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Trending Products

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.