Question for Lap RNY Post-ops w/no complications

My surgery is 7/22. On 8/1 I'm supposed to be leaving on vacation to Osoyoos, Canada. Do you think I'll be up for a 9 hour drive, 10 days after surgery? Also, will I be up to doing anything like a little swimming or bike ride on level ground? Am I being overly optimistic to think I can still enjoy a vacation, albeit a bit less active than I'd normally be? Thanks!

Not post-op, but from what I have heard, it wouldn't be a problem. I would check the locations of major hospitals on the way there (just in case), then stop every hour or two at the most for a walk/ stretch. I have read profiles where people go shopping/ disneyland, ect within a month of surgery, so I would say go for it, but I am neither post-op or a Dr. LOL! 2 more days girl! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! Brandi

Hi Michele, I think you should do fine. I had lap RNY on 4-10-04 in Portland. My husband drove me home 2 hr drive on day 3 post-op. It was fine. Just make sure you get a good night sleep every night and don't over do it during the day. Have you told your DR about your plans? Hope you have speedy recovery,and lots of fun on your vacation. Keep in touch with us on the board. Jeanne

Michele - Be prepared to be really really exhausted. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best, I think is what they say. If you aren't doing the driving, I'd say you'd do fine with the travel, but remember to pull over and walk often because even 10 days out you need to make sure you don't risk a clot. Swimming? I wouldn't swim until incisions are 100% healed up. You may have no problem, but why risk getting some organism into a tiny little pinhole scab? Not a good idea, IMO. 10 days post op for me I was still not ready for that, but I was open. But still, my holes from the tubes were not healed up by then either. I would say take it easy and prepare for taking good tasting protein with you and make sure you know where you are going so that if there is an emergency you can be seen without a hassle. My main concern is that you aren't too far away from a doc that can help you if you have an emergency. 10 days out the risk is diminished greatly, but it's still there. Hope that helped! Dina

Just adding my 2 cents worth, I felt great after my lap, I was even taking walks within a week or so. I never had any problems, except itching of the scabs. Ask your Dr. but lap is so amazing, I have gone to the oral surgeon and had more pain! Good Luck and have a great vacation! Oh Yeah, you might want to avoid the water especially if it is fresh water and not a pool, I would definately ask your Dr. Heal Quickly and Welcome to the other side with all us other loosers!

I think all the advice you've gotten is right on... Dina really did a great job of explaining.. w/o complications you should be fine. "but" even with out complications You *might* get exhausted at the least little exertion.. You also *might* get nauses eating/drinking even water "EVERYTIME" you eat/drink.. and at 10 days post op you *might* start the whole estrogen release.. PMS x 1000.... not pretty!!! as dina said expect the worse and hope for the best?? (I think that's what she said) just be ready and prepared for things to happen and have a ball even if they do.. I wouldn't "NOT" go just becuase things "MIGHT" happen.. I didn't have the oppurtunity to go anywhere until I was 4 weeks post op and then I went to disney world.. I did great.. I sat when needed, and I drank, drank, and drank some more even though it killed me. water has always hurt my pouch. infact I am 15 months out now and the other morn I woke up and needed something as my mouth was yucky and dry. I grabbed some water out of the fridge and gulped it down and OOOOUUUCCHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... so plan on having a great time!! Theresa

Michele, I did a 5 day fishing trip (cabin) at 13 days, but was moving pretty slow. I had a wonderful time though and am glad I didn't cancel. I agree with the above post and wouldn't risk swimming. In fact, if I had it to do again, I'd have showered twice a day with anti-bacterial soap. (I got an infection, it was a bummer.) Plan on doing everything and listen very closely to your body. The best thing I brought was a big, thick book! LOL! Have a great time! Blessings! -Perry 358/325/278/210 Perry P. Perkins Christian Novelist Just Past Oysterville: Shoalwater Book One Read chapter one - (www) perryperkinsbooks.com