Question about traveling for DS

I have jumped off the RNY track (would have been getting surgery in the next 2 weeks!) and am now on track for DS.

From lurking around here for a few weeks and reading posts/blogs, I know that many of you have traveled a lot farther than I will be (4 hrs) and I was wondering how long you remained in the location of your surgery. afterwards? Thanks! 

I can't figure out how to change my surgeon's name. but I am going to Dr. John Maguire

Hi there!  I traveled 3 hours for surgery.  I left the hospital and came right home, but had to turn around and go back two weeks later for a follow up appointment.  

Each doctor is a little different with how they like to do their follow ups, so ask in advance and schedule accordingly.  I'd say if you go home when you're released and you need a follow up within six weeks, make sure that someone drives with you.  

 Thanks for responding. I wilol definitely not be driving myself :) I was wondering if this is the norm with surgeons...
The e-mail I received today from the Dr's office supervisor/surgery scheduler told me that i would, and I quote here: " have to remain in the Dayton area for some time after surgery (I believe 4 weeks minimum)."  
   I am editing to include the rest of her paragraph:
" I understand you are further away, however, we have had quite a few patients as far as Texas, Florida, Georgia, and very many patients in your area, come to see Dr. Maguire for this procedure (as he is very good at it J ) that the characteristics he looks for in a patients include the ability to be accessible for appointments no matter the distance or other obligations."




 

.

4 weeks is likely an outside time frame in case something isn't quite right.

Dr. Greenbaum here in NJ does not require patients to stay that long. If the 4 weeks is set in stone for Dr. Maguire, he is another surgeon worth looking into.

 Thank you Elizabeth!
BTW...the links that you have in your signature have been really helpful to me, so a BIG thanks for those!

Congratulations on rethinking your decision! I think you won't be disappointed. I also would think that 4 hours doesn't really qualify as being very far away. I would discuss with your surgeon, but I see absolutely no reason you shouldn't be released to go straight home at that distance. Maybe he will want you to hang around a day or two after that, up to a week, but beyond that just seems excessive. Definitely talk it over with him.

 Thanks :) I am super excited!
Yeah, I know that 4 hrs isn't really far...especially compared to how far others have traveled!! I am lucky! 
I thought that the 4 weeks seemed long, but I am willing to do it, if need be!  I will discuss this when I go there next week!

I didn't have to travel, but I recall my doctor's information said to stay in the area for 10 days after surgery--which is only about a week after you get out of the hospital.
I think they have a valid concern that if you have any complications you want to see your surgeon--and if you go home and have to go to the ER, it would be a problem.
I sure wouldn't have wanted to ride 3 hours in a car just a week out of the hospital.

Hey Gina, are you sure it's not 2 weeks post op?

ETA
Ask Dr Maguire yourself when you see him to be sure what he wants.