Hi y'all,

I am having a lap band removed and an RNY done as one procedure. I live about 5 hours away by car from where the surgery is being done--how difficult do you think the trip home will be? Is it even possible? I guess I could stay in a hotel a few days after discharge but that gets expensive...I know I need to ask the surgeon this but I was hoping for some input from those of y'all that have been through this already. Thanks!

Are you staying overnight at the hospital. I just had my RNY after my lap band removed 8 months prior. I was pretty wiped and stayed an extra day for more rest. I think the 5 hour trip if you recovered adequately should not be a problem. Good luck.

Ask your surgeon/doctor mine has told me he prefers I get someone else to drive

You certainly shouldn’t be driving yourself and I don’t even think you should be doing the trip at that point. There is too much risk of complications such as a clot. Surely you can arrange to stay somewhere close to your medical team for a couple of days, it may cost money but it should be worth it for peace of mind

They most likely won't let you drive yourself and will suggest that you stop every 45 mins-hour to walk to prevent blood clots.

I just took a trip at 3 weeks out that was 4 hours one way. It was kind of rough on me, but I did it. (I wasn't driving because of the pain meds)

As I understand it, I will be in the hospital for at least two nights after the surgery. I'm driving myself up the morning of the surgery for an AM admission, and then the day I get discharged my DH will be taking Amtrak to get to DC and then he'll drive us both home in the car I drove up. It's a minivan with room in the back to stretch out so I can lay down if I need to. I hope this is OK but I will definitely run it by my surgeon. Thanks for all the quick replies!

10 years ago when I got my lap band I LIVED on this forum and got through everything with smooth sailing due to y'all's support and knowledge. I kinda drifted away, but now that I'm getting ready to do it all again, I'm back and I'm sure all have all the same support I did all those years ago. I LOVE y'all!!❤️

At least wear some compression stockings - not those white TED hose - but some comfortable ones you can find at any home health store or even WalMart. My favorites are SockWells. On sale and with a coupon from REI, I can get them half price. They feel like comfortable knit socks and they hold up well.

Does your doctor prescribe Lovenox injections after surgery? Some do, some don't , but if your doc knew you were going to take a long road trip, maybe that would increase the risk of blood clots to the point of doc wanting to give you a week or so of preventative medicine.

I did everything right, and still got 3 deep clots in my leg. Nothing to mess around with and I had to be on meds for 3 months afterward.

Be sure to tell your doc about the trip and about concerns for blood clots.

Edited October 10, 20196 yr by AZhiker

I agree with ArMom. Stop as often as possible and walk a bit. Good luck!?