business trip the week after surgery! HELP!

I am scheduled for the 18th, and was wondering a few things. I am not telling anyone what I am having done - I am so embarassed at having to have surgery to loose this blubber. But, I am concerned about going back to work 3 days after this surgery (I don't have any sick time to spare, I am self pay, and this is a new job that I can not afford to loose). What kind of side effects, problems should I expect from a Lap Band the first week or two? I also have no idea what I will be able to eat on a business trip. I ask because my boss is now talking about sending me on a business trip the week after my surgery. I don't really want to go, but I have no choice unless I want to loose my job. I will absolutely have to just suck it up and make it work. Any words of wisdom out there?

I just had RNY on 2/1/05, although I feel great already just 4 days out, I don't know that I would feel comfortable traveling. I asked my doctor about traveling by plane after surgery and he gave me a 3 - 4 week restriction of no flying. Maybe you should check with your doctor first. I know it's a hard call between your job and your health, but I would say that your health is more important....you have a tough decision on your hands..good luck!

Hi, Cg. Good luck with your surgery and your job. There is a lapband forum you can find here. They might be able to share their post-op stories so you can get a better idea of what to expect. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/LapBand/ Be sure to keep us updated here. It's a pretty good group and we are looking out for all the February folks. Jeanie

Yikes, flying after surgery. As a RN I'm fearful re: the possiblity of throwing a blood clot. As you know, that is always a concern after surgery esp for obese people. You will have to get up a walk as much as possilbe on the plane. Not to mention you will need a aisle seat. Please contact the members on the lapband forum. I will pray that all goes well.

Hmmm, would that be more for a long flight? I'm planning on flying 2 weeks after surgery too, but it's about an hour and 20 minute flight. Is it just the sitting that is the problem? Thanks, Susi

Cg, First let me say that I am 6 days out from RNY--Lap surgery and yes, was private pay. I was in the hospital for 33 hours, but they told me that was NOT common. I also haven't been having any pain to speak of, but again, NOT common. I wish you felt you could share this with your boss. I found that when I did they went the extra mile and then some for me. I have only been on my job for less than a year and it is a highly specialized position. It was difficult to find a replacement, but we managed. I think if you were honest with your boss that you've had some surgery (you don't need to get into it--he'll assume it's a "woman thing") he will cut you some slack. Right now I feel well enough to go back to work and I feel as though I'm letting them down by not being there, but my boss told me to take a month off. He knows it will be a huge life style change. Please consider this. It's been my experience that people WANT to help--including your boss. Best wishes, Pat