I'm flying back to the US for the first time in 20 years and I leave on Sunday. On Sunday, I will be 7 weeks post op.

I will also be going back for Thanksgiving so it's going to be a bit difficult with not being able to eat.

Does anyone have any tips for flying post-op? First long haul flight since 2005. Although, I'm really happy I'll be able to fit in the plane seat!

As someone who started traveling less than 3 weeks post surgery, my biggest advice is to make sure you load up on what you need before the day starts (proteins that you can "safely" eat) - Just keeping enough snacks/food that you know you can tolerate easily during the flight rather than relying on whatever they provide you.

For me, an aisle seat was key on long hauls also just so that I could get up and walk if needed. Extra water for the flight was also very helpful.

Mostly, enjoy the extra room! That was seriously a game changer for me. Before surgery, I'd panic if I had to fly coach wondering if I'd get a seatbelt that fit or have someone beside me that was just disgusted at my presence.

Bring snack I can eat is a good idea! I have a 7 hour layover at some point so I'd rather not wander around for whatever fast food they have at Sea-Tac.

I would say bring some compression socks, drink lots of water and luckily they do sell protein drinks in the airport so that's helpful, if you need something. I flew home from surgery 3 days after; it was only a 2-3 hour flight, but it wasn't terrible. Bring a refillable bottle with you because there are usually water fountains/water bottle fill up stations all over.

I would think you are in the soft foods phase of eating by now, so I would assume you could eat a few things at Thanksgiving like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. You might even be able to tolerate turkey if you chew it well; just remember small portions.