The trip Home????

My new found friends and I will soon (10/22) be starting our Weight Loss Journey.  With that said............. How was the trip home.  I have a pretty long flight and travel itinerary home.  Just looking for some insight on how uncomfortable this may be if at all.  Please share,  Thank You. 

 Yes, I am worried about the trip home, too! I have probably a 15+ travel day (door-to-door). Will we make it?
:)

We will make it!  My travel day is about 12 1/2 door to door.  I have packed the most comfortable clothes I could think of and I am bringing a pillow.  Any other suggestions?

My surgery date is 10/22/09, too.  I fly on 10/21.  The main thing I have read to help on the journey home is to request a wheelchair.  With Continental, you either get a wheelchair for the entire journey or you don't.  You can't specify for the return trip.   

Though it is good to walk alot after surgery, the wheelchair will keep you from having to be anxious about making a connecting flight.  We all have sense enough to know once we get to our departing gait to spend the waiting time walking some - if there is time.  Supposedly the wheelchair gets you through Customs faster, too. 

I come home on Oct 28.  I guess I can post in hindsight then, which is really what you were looking for - the person who had been there and done that. 

It is Quite alright Georgia,  Thank You for the info.  I am flying Delta on the 21st, maybe they will offer something like that as well.  I look forward to sharing this journey with you, please stay in contact.

I think you have to request it ahead of time.  Go online and see if you can make the selection in your reservation now or call them to request it.

ok here is some info from one that has been there done that ! first.. comfy clothes ! now make sure you have chapstick.  your pillow is your friend !  yes yes yes on the wheelchair. those halls are so long at the airport and you really don't want to be pushing yourself too far.  yes walking is good but your energy levels are low in the beginning. wheelchair makes it easier plus you breeze through security and you get to board first ! makes connecting flights easier too because they will not let you miss your connection.  there are no good choices at the airport. bring protein shake smaples and a shacker bottle. lots of crystal light to mix in your water too. another idea is bullion cubes  to mix with warm tap water....  you can buy bottled water .  you will not be able to hold alot  . do not panic. this is normal. just try to sip sip sip. all day to help with hydration.  do get up and walk when you can but do not push yourself. you really do not want to fall in the airport  . take your pain meds. . i had  my surgery last year and I just went with my niece who had vsg last month. have your travel companion keep up with all your stuff.  some times the pain meds make you a little loopy.  we even checked our carryons and only had our large purses that had what we needed in them.  good luck.

Very good info - thank you so much.

I live in the DC/Baltimore area and flew to Monterrey, Mexico last January 29th for my surgery. I was able to get to the car from the hotel okay...but once you get to the airport you will need a wheelchair. I went from Monterrey to Houston and had a wheelchair there. Got through customs quickly that way also. Then landed at BWI and got a wheelchair to my friend's car. You will be fine...might be tired but you'll get home safe and sound! Good luck!

Hi all,

This probably won't help those of you who are already on your way to surgery . . .like my friend Georgia!  But, hopefully it will help anyone traveling in the future.

This is just a clip from my surgery confirmation letter which contained some tips for packing, things to take with you etc...

It did not copy/paste in a good format, but at least it's readable material.

By all means, try to stuff everything into a carry on with wheels. Just remember you won't be able to lift anything heavy and most airlines no longer allow flight attendants to help passengers lift items into overhead bins.  GO FIGURE!  But, you can usually find a nice guy to do it for you!

Be sure to read the Hints and Reminders towards the bottowm regarding TSA and special needs for medical conditions etc.... VERY HELPFULL!

The other thing I would recommend is to bring a pillow with you on the plane.  Not so much for your head, but to put in your lap.  If you have to cough, holding a pillow snuggly to your tummy while you cough really helps.  ***Keep this in mind while in the hospital and at the hotel too!

Enjoy!

Dusty

Tips for packing  

You really don’t need to pack very much for your trip to Monterrey and we highly recommend packing everything into one carry-on suitcase with wheels. If you only bring a carry on, it will save you a lot of time and hassle with immigration and customs on your return trip home. *If you have connecting flights in Houston or Dallas, you will have to collect any checked baggage between flights and go through customs again before your connecting flight. If you must check baggage, be sure to allow ample time between flights.  You will not feel like running to catch your next flight!

 Be sure to pack and bring the following items with you:      

            Any medications you normally take on a daily basis. (Even if Dr. Guajardo
has recommended you not take certain medications prior to surgery. You may need them after surgery)  

NOTE: The hospital will charge you for any medications dispensed during your stay that are not routine medications prescribed by Dr. Guajardo related to your surgery. You will be required to pay any additional hospital charges prior to discharge.                                                                            

      If you are diabetic, please bring your glucometer, test strips, insulin and  
      any other medications.

       If you have sleep apnea and use a C-Pap or Bi-PAP machine at home, please bring it with you. *Most airlines to not include medical items as a carry-on or personal item, but check with your airline ahead of time.

            Don’t forget your passport and other form of picture I.D. *It’s a good idea to make a photo copy of your passport page that contains your picture and your passport number. In the event your passport is lost, this will help immigration get you home much faster.

          Certified bank check or cashier’s checks for your surgery. If financing 100% of your surgery, we recommend that you bring a copy of your financial contract and your lenders contact information with you. *Please reconfirm with your lender that your loan has funded and the wire transfer has been completed prior to your departure. Contact the U.S. office at immediately with any delays or discrepancies regarding your funding. 800-545-8757 ext 2.

 Suggested comfort and handy items

·         Comfortable clothes for recovery at the hotel and travel home. (You will have small incisions around your waist area)

·         Handy items - Slip-on shoes/slippers, Robe, PJ's, gown (see “while in the hospital" below), Lip balm, lotion and other toiletries.

·         For the ladies - leisure bras are a good idea, or a tank top with built-in shelf bra (under- wire bra’s may not be comfortable for the first few days).

·         Suggestion - Bring about $100 in cash (mostly in ones and fives) for tips and small purchase items. You can use American money at most retail locations; however change is returned in pesos.

·         Debit/credit card - It is a good idea to call the 800 number on the back of your credit card before you leave to tell them that you will be using the card in Mexico, or they may deny the charges thinking it is being used fraudulently.

·         Glasses - You cannot wear contacts in surgery and you will not want to deal with contacts during the post-op hours.

·         Ladies - Colored fingernail and toenail polish is not allowed during surgery.                                       

·         While in the hospital - We recommend you to bring a pair of comfortable pajamas or a nightgown that is easy to put on and take off. We also recommend you to bring your personal hygiene items, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. A good book or magazine is also a good idea. Don’t forget any medications or test strips you might need while in the hospital. The rest of your belongings can be stored at the hotel during your hospital stay.

 Hint:  If you think you might need assistance to your departure gate and between connecting flights, please call your airline in advance to request a wheel chair or shuttle.

 Reminder:  You will be on either a clear liquid or full liquid diet during trip to Monterrey and for your trip home. Please plan ahead if you have a long flight or extended times between flights. Please visit the following link for TSA guidelines regarding allowed and prohibited items which you may take past the security check point.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm

Be sure to read the section titled:  Special Needs for Travelers with Disabilities & Medical Conditions

 In most cases, the TSA will accept letter from Dr. Guajardo which states that you are traveling for a surgical procedure which requires you to be on a special liquid diet during your travel.  This will allow you to carry sufficient liquid protein shakes or other dietary items for the duration of your travel.  *Please contact the TSA or your airline directly to ask if they require specific forms in addition to a letter from your doctor. If they do, it is the patients’ responsibility to obtain and provide the necessary forms when requesting a letter from our office.

If you think you might need a special request letter for your travel, please contact the U.S. office at least 10 days prior to your travel. 800-545-8757 ext 2  *We cannot provide this at the last minute.