I just found out from work I need to fly to NYC for a couple of days a week after my surgery. The flight is only 2 hours but still it's the hassle of traveling. Not sure whether I will be able to do it or if I should postpone the surgery. Haven't asked my doctor yet but wanted to get advice from people who went through the surgery.

I had to travel exactly one week after surgery and it was not easy... I had to drive by myself 500 miles, which was very difficult because when you sit up and do not move for several hours (as you will have to do on the plane) the port site started hurting and ALL the gas pain went to my left sholder like never before. It started huring my neck and even went up to the left side of my head. I had to stop at the rest stop and lay down for half and hour! I felt like my left side of stomach back and head was going to explode!! With all this said, I had NO prior pain for the week, was off my painkillers and thats why I decided to travel. The pain went away the next day, but I would definitely not do it again! Nor do I suggest you try traveling, especially to NYC. You might think you're feeling perfectly fine, but between sitting in the plane, airport wait, and lifting the suitcase it will probably not be easy. You have to really think this one out, or better have someone travel with you!

I went back to work after a week, then immediately the next week drove 380 miles for a chorus festival, which required a lot of walking, standing and singing. I was very tired, but I wanted to go to this 4 day festival very much, so for me it was worth it. My concern is the flying and the pressure changes, etc. This is probably a question best answered by your doc, as he knows you and your body better than we do.

For what it's worth, my doc told me no traveling for 4 weeks. It was mostly because the band needed to settle and my stomach needed to heal. You should ask your doctor for advice.

I was banded on August 1st and August 12th we went to TX. We flew from NH to NJ to TX. I was also switched to mushies that day. The food part was tough, if you do go bring plenty of shakes. My doctors two main concerns is that I was able to get up an walk down the isle (pretend you're going to the bathroom...and that I not lift my luggage. The flying part was not an issue, but I was 12 days out. Those 5 days made a huge difference. Hope this helps...Moe

Hey Moe how are you doing? I am doing so much better, but I doubt if I could have flown anywhere the past few weeks. I developed an allergy to whey Protein and was sick as a dog for a week, much better today and this week.

Can't wait for the real work to start, and back to my exercise and my new tricycle LOL.

I can get into my siz 18 jeans, just an inch and I can button them LOL the legs fit great, stomach still a bit swollen. I hope to wear them to the Lap band support group meeting the last Tues. of August at Lahey Clinic. LOL

Take care

Pati

After the dietary classes I would think it would be hard to travel so soon because you are basically needing to eat or drink a measured amount every 90 minutes - at least that's what my dr does. I ended up scheduling 4 weeks of remote work so I didn't have to travel. She also said it is very important to not lift anything for the month because you could get a hernia at one of your incisions. Be careful!

Hi, I flew for 6 hours back home just 3 days after my surgery and I was more than fine. Just make sure that you have somebody help you lift your luggage or anything over 10LBs. The biggest problem was that my stomach was swollen and I almost had to ask for a seatbelt extender, but luckily I got it snapped! My flight (check with yours since they have all gotten so cheap now) on Southwest still offered free drinks, so I had plenty of juices and liquids the whole way home.

By the way, what kinds of jobs do you all have that you get to travel?? I want one!:biggrin:

If it were me, I would not travel...you'll still be sore and too tired. I would not postpone the surgery either...we postpone what is good for ourselves way too much!

Thanks everyone for your comments and advice. I just got off the phone with my doctor's office. The nurse practitioner said that it would be fine for me to travel as long as I got my stitches out beforehand. Still a little concern though from everyone's comments. Will have to think hard on this one. :thumbup:

I'll chime in -

My doc said to wait at least 3 weeks after surgery. I planned my surgery around my work travel schedule (not an easy task!). That being said, I'd be really tired, but now 11 days out from surgery, I think I could do it