Getting around and flying after surgery ...

Nachtigall · June 7, 2008

Hello,

I could need some input.

I am planning to have the lap band surgery (no date yet, not even decided which clinic, because both are good I think), but I am not sure how to organize it.

I have to fly to Toronto (about 2 hours) and have nobody I could ask to come with me (just moved to Canada).

I called the clinic and they told me, that I need to stay in the Toronto Area for about two to three days. Since I think it's less stress for me going by myself instead of going with my husband and the baby, I am thinking about asking the clinic to organize 24 hour care for after the surgery. But I still be one day all by myself and would need to fly back home alone.

Stupid idea or doable?

~Katya

TXEG · June 7, 2008

I had surgery yesterday and the pain is tolerable it's just the lifting restrictions. You will need someone to carry/load your luggage. The other thing is you have to keep moving/walking after the surgery so sitting on a plane seat for a duration of time may put you in more pain.

agreatknead · June 7, 2008

Hi Katya,

Everyone is different so I can only tell you my experience. I live in Michigan and had my surgery done in Mexico. I was by myself and I left Mexico the day after surgery and flew back to Chicago. My husband picked me up and we drove about 3 hours to get home. I had absolutely no problems. I think I took a pain pill that night just to help with sleep and one the next night and that was it. I have read that others have had much more discomfort than I did so I can't say you won't have any problems but if your experience is anything like mine, it will be a breeze. I am 58 so you have youth on your side as well. Start walking as soon as possible, I think it makes a huge difference. I had no problems with gas pain and the port area was only slightly sore. I wish you the best and acknowledge you for taking this step. Your child will love the fact you will be able to run and play with them as they grow. Best wishes,

Sally

tonyahebert · June 7, 2008

I also flew to Mexico for my surgery and had no problem. Everyone is different, and I don't have a clue why I didn't have any problems and others do...I was the 5th woman (from the US) in four days who was banded by my doctor. All 5 of us came by ourselves...the first one was banded on Wednesday and flew home Friday and had an experience similiar to mine...no problems, very little pain, etc. Three women had their surgery on Thursday, so they were all able to communicate with each other. All three of them had seemed to have problems, lol. They weren't happy with the pain management, they weren't happy with the difference between Mexican and American health care practices, etc. The facilitator for Dr. A said it will happen everytime there are a group of women, they tend to pick their care apart, where a single patients tend to be less inclined to complain. I was very apprehensive after meeting "the three" but it was a breeze for me...I had my surgery about noon on Saturday and flew home at 9am Monday morning...I flew to Dallas from Monterrey then to Houston from Dallas, then a three hour drive home. I was tired at the end of the day, but who wouldn't be? Still a little sore, and I still cant bend over, but other than that, I feel great. Can't wait till my first fill.

Something else about my trip that I found amusing...The facilitator (sp?) also told me that women come to Mexico by theirselves ALL the time...but, you have a man come to Mexico to be banded and they are bringing their momma or their wife, lol. I found that so funny!

hippiechick · June 8, 2008

I'll be flying solo too, travelling from South Carolina to Detroit, Michigan, on Monday. I bought a small pillow to put under my seatbelt for the return trip to protect my tender tummy. Thank goodness for seat belt extension. I've never opted to be one of those who pre-boards, but I'll definitely do it this time.

Thanks for posting this question, by the way. I've been so caught up in other details that I hadn't given the flight much thought, and I hope there will be more replies.

LB4Life · June 28, 2008

Hello fellow Nova Scotian

I am actively researching my WLS options and have a consultation appointment scheduled on July 3 next week. I am looking at also going to Toronto and have looked at the expenses involved, wow. If you go to expedia.ca then you can book a flight/hotel for a reasonable price = $750. I am just begining my steps on finding out my MSI coverage, I think gastric bypass is usually covered in Halifax but the band is only available out of province but I think MSI covers $2000 of it. Plus all the flight/hotel/surgery costs I have been told are deductible on your tax return. I too am alone in the whole trip process but would definately enjoy having a traveling buddy to share costs. I'd love to share my research with you and join our efforts on how to follow the right steps here in NS. All the best to you!

annie55 · March 15, 2009

hello Iam also from nova scotia . And Iam waiting to hear from Msi.. dont know how long it takes for Msi to get the letter from the doctor and decide .. but hope it will be soon ) when did you hope to get surgery ... its hard to get message here i find .. someone send me message and i clicked on it and it went blank whaaaaaaaaa hope this one gets through

annie:thumbup: