long drive after surgery?

E_Saenz
on 7/9/15 7:35 am - Grand Rapids , MI
VSG on 08/12/15

I have a wedding in New Jersey on the 22nd of August if I Schedule the 12th do you think that the  20th is too early to take such a long trip?  Idk how long it takes to not hurt.

Elia Maria Saenz
    

Sparklekitty, Science-Loving Derby Hag
on 7/9/15 8:19 am
RNY on 08/05/19

At a week out, you may still be needing pain medication, in which case it's not safe to drive. At that point I was still sore, and more importantly I was completely exhausted. Definitely too tired and gross-feeling to attend a social function!

If you're worried if you'll be up to it, I'd suggest calling your doctor for his/her opinion.

Sparklekitty / Julie / Nerdy Little Secret (#42)
Roller derby - cycling - triathlon
VSG 2013, RNY conversion 2019 due to GERD. Trendweight here!

E_Saenz
on 7/9/15 8:25 am - Grand Rapids , MI
VSG on 08/12/15

I was thinking the same thing.  Bummed because I really want to go but giving the choice surgery or trip I might choose surgery!  

Elia Maria Saenz
    

ladygodiva1228
on 7/9/15 8:35 am - Putnam, CT
Revision on 02/04/15

Personally I think it would be to much to take a long trip at a week out.  Looks like it is around 800 miles and if you drove right through around 14 hours which wouldn't be possible.  You are going to have to get out of the car and move around every couple of hours.  That is going to be a very uncomfortable trip. 

And remember not saying this would be the case, but you have to be prepared for possible complications.  What if your in the hospital for a week? 

Dr. Sanchez Lapband 9/12/2003
hw305/revision w280/cw197/gw150

Revision from Lap Band to Bypass on 2/4/2015 by Dr. Pohl

    

Bufflehead
on 7/9/15 8:45 am - TN
VSG on 06/19/13

Another thing to keep in mind is that long car trips are a risk factor for blood clots, because your legs are basically down and immobile for so long. Blood clots are already a big risk after surgery, you don't want to exacerbate that risk. You would have to stop every hour or so and get out and walk in order for it to be safer. Added to an already long trip, making things longer, still not entirely alleviating the risk -- I wouldn't do it.

cappy11448
on 7/9/15 11:22 am

I felt pretty good by the 5th day after surgery, and I was off pain meds the 2nd day after surgery.  I did get tired fast, but wasn't having any significant pain by a week post op. 

I don't know where you are located and how long a drive it is, or whether you will be driving or riding, so I can't advise on that. 

best of luck with your surgery and recovery.

Carol

    

Surgery May 1, 2013. Starting Weight 385,  Surgery Weight 333,  Current Weight 160.  At GOAL!

Weight loss Pre-op 1-20 2-17 3-15 Post-op 1-20 2-18 3-15 4-14 5-16 6-11 7-12  8-8

                  9-11 10-7 11-7 12-7 13-8 14-6 15-3 16-7 17-3  18-3

     

E_Saenz
on 7/9/15 11:30 am - Grand Rapids , MI
VSG on 08/12/15

The road trip is 13 HRS I would have to cut it into two days I'm sure because too much risk.  I might just stay home but it's my close family my nephew's wedding.  I'm just going to have to play it by ear!

Elia Maria Saenz
    

Smilez313
on 7/9/15 11:52 am

i havent had the surgery yet but i live in detroit not too far from you and i drove to jersey to see fam just a few months ago and that drive is exhausting! i could only imagine doing it after surgery so soon, i believe it would suck. maybe by plane would b better.

MissNexxie
on 7/9/15 3:35 pm
VSG on 04/30/14

My feeling is that it would be too much too soon after surgery even if you're complication free. You will be exhausted, possibly in pain, risking blood clots with that long of a drive (you would HAVE to stop every 1-2 hours to walk for 10-15 mins) not to mention on complete liquids, so no food at the wedding. You are having 80% of your stomach removed and need to care for your body, let it rest, recover and focus on your new way of living.  If you're set on attending then schedule the surgery for 2 weeks after the wedding so you can travel plus start your liquid diet at the appropriate time prior to surgery.  There is much to think about.

Best of luck.

Surgery: April 30, 2014: HW: 288 SW: 250 Achieved Goal 149 lbs: April 8, 2015 CW: 158 lbs (working on losing 65 lb regain as of June 1, 2021. Weight was at 215 lbs). Fighting every darn day!

Scott S.
on 7/10/15 8:34 am - TX

It would have been too early for me.  It wook about 2 weeks for thisngs to settle in and barely start to become normal.  Plus I had follow ups with the doc.

Nevermind the complication of not eating or drinking much that early on.

VSG: 8/8/13 

        

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