Recovery Time and Traveling

Hi Everyone,

I have a trip to Vegas planned with a friend in the middle of September. The trip was planned months ago and we are both very excited to go. I was planning on NOT telling my friend about the surgery, but I may have to. I'll play that by ear.

We don't plan on doing anything strenuous; just some shows and some gambling. I don't drink alcohol much even now, so binge drinking is not on my to-do list. LOL 

I thought my surgery date was going to be 7/25, but because of an insurance hiccup, it is now scheduled for 8/6. That leaves me with about 5-1/2 weeks recovery time before my trip.

I know everyone heals differently, but I was wondering how some of you felt 5 weeks out. Am I crazy for even thinking of getting on a plane and going to Vegas??

Interestingly, I also had a vacation planned at about 5 weeks post op.  Plans were made before I had scheduled my surgery.  We did cancel the trip, at about 3 weeks post op, because I felt so lousy, but, truth be told, I probably could have gone.  I am glad I didn't.  It would have just been too stressful.

If you are having surgery done laparoscopically, you may be able to handle it.  I felt great by then (I had the go ahead after two weeks to start swimming again), but of course, I had to listen to my body in terms of fatigue, etc.  You also may be on a phase of your post-op diet that may be tough to handle on vacation.  If your hotel has a minifridge that you can stock protein drinks, yogurt, cheese, etc., that might be easier.  

Best of luck!

I am about 6 1/2 weeks post op. I have been feeling pretty normal for the last 2 weeks or so, and probably would have felt better sooner if I hadn't gotten an infection at one of my incision sites. I would probably tell your friend, though, since you will still probably be a bit tired and want to take it easy. Plus, you will have dropped some serious weight by then and will have completely different eating habits. I am actually still on pureed foods, but I think most doctors progress the stages MUCH quicker than mine does. Even if you are eating regular foods by then, the volume will be much less and you will hopefully be staying away from simple carbs! I think its really a YMMV thing, but if you do decide to go, it may be a relief to give your friend a heads up before you go so that you don't feel like you have to hide it or have to avoid awkward questions. But that's just how I look at it. I have been pretty open about my surgery though, so I probably see it much differently than some people.

Thanks to all of you!

I'm supposed to have the surgery done laparoscopically, but Dr. K. warned me that because I'm so short and my torso is so compact, he may have to open me up. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Although, Dr. K. did say that recovery times are virtually the same (open vs. lap). The only difference is in the pain felt during the first week or so. (People with open surgery use more morphine/pain meds during the first week. After that, he said they are virtually the same. Hmmm) 

My hotel will have a full kitchen, so I'll have a fridge for yogurt and a blender for my protein drinks.

So far, when I tell people that I'm having surgery and they ask what kind, I always say, "Oh, it's nothing serious." They usually take the hint and don't ask any follow up questions. I think I may give my friend a heads up about the surgery, but keep things general for now. (I've only told a select few about my surgery and would like to keep it that way until I really need to disclose it. Haha)

This is one of those "YMMV" topics.  I was extremely listless for a good 6 weeks, so I would feel traveling for fun would be a complete waste of money because I wouldn't have had the energy to do everything, and drinking is an absolute no-no, you'll still be learning a new relationship with your bowels and figuring out what to eat.  

My recommendation - delay your DS until you're back from Vegas, so you can have your cake and eat it too.  Think of it as one last hoorah before your new chapter in life.

Hi all - new to the group.

I'm 4 weeks post op and would have no problem traveling. In fact, I'm traveling for work next week. I was done laproscopically and could have traveled this week, in my opinion.

-

When people ask you what kind of surgery you are getting you can honestly tell them you had your gallbladder removed.  

Or your appendix removed.  Since they take both organs while doing the DS.

Funny....I only told a select few before my surgery, and had the appendectomy story ready if anyone asked post op.