driving post op

How soon can you drive after surgery?

I have set up my kids rides for school & activities. Just curious how long till I am back in the drivers seat

I was able to drive once I was off of all pain killers (for obvious reasons) -- I drove about a week post op.

It partly depends on which surgery as the different ops require different lengths under anaesthetic and   differing amounts of cutting, stapling etc..

I was simply told it was necessary to wait 48 hours to be sure all the anaesthetic had cleared my system. But it would presumably be longer if you require strong painkillers or find moving painful. 

I was able to drive once I'd been off pain killers for two days.  I drove for the first time 8 days post-op.  I just went to a movie at a theater about 20 minutes away, though, so it was a short drive!  

Had surgery Friday, home on Sunday, driving on Tuesday. 

I came home from the hospital Saturday and drove Monday or Tuesday the following week. (4 days post op I think). I wasn't on any pain meds so was ok to drive.

Jen 2001 RNY

I was weak and shaky (low blood sugar) so I didn't drive for almost two weeks after

I was in the hospital for 2 days and then was told I needed to be off pain killers for 24 hours. So theoretically I could have driven on day 4, but I wasn't up to it. I drove on day 5 after my first post-op appointment. I would plan rides for at least a week. Even if you can, you may not want to do that much driving.