Traveling immediately after discharge?

[JRT Mom 919]

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!

[EAGML's Gigi 4]

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.

[New&Improved 1,780]

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

[elcee 3,340]

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

[ARMoma45 353]

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.

[Lynda486 783]

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)

[JRT Mom 919]

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!!❤️

[AZhiker 2,251]

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, 2019 by AZhiker

[gabybab 696]

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