post-op follow up

hi everyone, I just got my surgery date, 6 June 05!!!. I'am so hype but scared as he--. Thanks to everyone encouraging others about their fears of having the operation I know I'll be ok. My question is about the first follow up the the Dr. after surgery. How soon did you have to get for a check up? I'am scheldule to have surgery on the 6th, and have reservation to fly to Florida on the 13th. Do you think I'll be able after having the laproscopic Roux en-Y?

I doubt it. But ask your Dr. That is a little too soon. My friend is in charge of Poker Cruises and went on a cruise 2 weeks after surgery. She was really wiped out and weak - pretty sick. YOu need to stay put. I assume you're having RNY. I'm having Lap Band, which is less than a 45 minute procedure, and I'm not budging for 5 weeks. Barb

I doubt it also, you will need to get your tube taken out about a week after your operation, and stitches. You will still be pretty sore, and even though you would have lost a good amount of weight, twenty pounds or so, you will still be swollen so pants and airplane seatbelts will be even tighter. I'd stay put. I'm more than a week post-op now and I still get a little lightheaded, can't be on my feet for too long, and my incision areas are SORE. I wouldn't dream of flying somewhere a week from now, yet alone today!

Many surgeons do not have their patient go home with any tubes. Mine is supposed to come out the day I come home. Kathy

thank you to everyone that replied. Kathy thanks for letting me know that, my doctor didn't tell me that I'd come home with any tubes. Has anyone had Dr. Sighn from Albany NY, if so did you go home with tubes?

Dorothy, The one thing I would be concerned 1 week post-op and getting on a plane is blood clots. The inability to walk freely (shorter flights) and the pressure of the plane...that might be a concern one week post-op. If you do fly, try to get up when they let you and move around as much as you can! As for drains...I think some do end up going home with them but I think it is based on the surgeon and also what the drainage looks like. Best wishes, Kathy

If it's important that you take that flight, you should probably delay surgery until you return. Consult your surgeon, of course, but that does seem a little too soon! If you do choose to fly, keep your circulation going (walk around the plane every half hour or so) and focus on getting in your water and protein! Bringing snacks for the plan is going to be difficult, since it may be too early for protein bars or jerky or other portable no-fridge-required protein. Perhaps a couple bottles or cans of pre-mixed drinks like Isopure or Atkins?

My dad wanted me to fly to Texas 2 weeks after surgery, but my surgeon didn't want me to go. First of all, I wouldn't feel like it. You aren't eating much, so your body gets tired easily. Second, we are at risk for blood clots anyway, and adding the pressure and immobility of a plane ride would raise that risk to an unacceptable level in my opinion (and his). I would put off your surgery or reschedule your trip. You won't feel like flying I'm sure. HOpe all goes well! Ashleigh