Travel home post sleeve surgery in Mexico

[Coreysmissus 5]

Hello, I am considering sleeve surgery in Mexico and Im looking for feedback from other individuals whom have traveled for their surgery.

I will be traveling home to Canada following Surgery in Tijuana on a direct flight that will take about 3 1/2 hours, 4 days post op. Those who have done it, how tolerable is the flight? Is a wheelchair needed in the terminal? Any special supplies recommended to make the flight more comfortable? If we end up switching flights to having one with a layover, is that ok, or too much?

Thanks guys!

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[Berry78 4,259]

You shouldn't need a wheelchair at all. The walking will be good for you. Mind the weight restriction (not lifting more than 10lbs).. so a wheeled suitcase is a lifesaver.

If you can, the direct flight is a good idea. You'll get pretty tired with the layover (it will be doable, just not as fun). If you opt for a flight with a layover, make sure it's at least an hour, so you have plenty of time to saunter over to the next gate.

I always recommend compression socks (medical grade) for flying, especially after abdominal surgery. You'll have to be fitted at a local medical supply place.

I had my surgery on Monday, and flew home on Friday. I highly recommend having at least that much time between the procedure and your flight home.

[Paul Bahr 73]

I had the surgery on a Thursday in TJ, stayed until the following Tuesday morning and then flew to Chicago on a direct flight. Then had a two hour drive home to Madison, WI from Chicago, O'Hare. Everything was fine. Walking around TJ was good once out of the hospital, walking through the airports was fine, no issues on the flight or the drive home.

[Karinao7 1]

I told flight attendant i have restless leg syndrome and needed to walk a lil during flight. I stayed towards the back and paced back and forth when I felt i needed to. I had a connecting flight and it was delayed. But i made it thru just fine.

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[clk 3,519]

I flew all the way from Mexico to Germany. It was fine. You definitely don't need a wheelchair, but I recommend moving on the flight if you can. Walking in the terminal is good for you post op. Just take it slow. Sip Water. I stopped during my layover at a place that sold Soup and got broth from chicken noodle soup, but I was flying on a flight with meals. It'll be tiring, but you can do it. Just walk during your flight if possible, or move your legs if not possible. And of course, don't cross them on a flight after surgery.

Good luck and best wishes.

[nettabs1 4]

I just got in this morning from Tj and it was ok. Moving as much as possible my flight was a total of 5 hrs. I did use a wheelchair for the connecting flight because it was so far way and i had no companion. So i knew they could get me there faster then me walking. Also, make sure your first to board it's hard to rush when many people are bumping you. Just inform attendants when you reach the gate.

[Sarahloveswelshcobs 12]

I'm guessing you should be ok.

I had my sleeve done on Tuesday. Stayed in hospital Tuesday night. They almost didnt let me out Wednesday as I was having severe pains (wind mainly I think) - but I travelled 4 hours home in the car yesterday (Wednesday)

Today, Ive got no pain. Not taken any pain killers and I'm going to go into work for a few hours tomorrow.

If you have a trolley bag, I'd think at 4 days, you'll manage flying.

I've been told to wear compression socks for two weeks anyway and Ive probably done 6 hours work today on the laptop sat down at the kitchen table

[MyBariatricLife 18]

I had a 9 hour drive home after surgery (not me driving). If I can handle that, you can handle a short flight. We stayed over one night in a cheap motel because the hospital released me too late to make the entire drive that day.