Flying Home After LBL--how did you do it?

I am considering surgeons in CA and TX for my LBL (I live in Cleveland).  For those of you that flew a long distance for your surgery...

1.  How long did you stay at a recovery center/hotel after the procedure and before you flew home?
2.  How in the world did you fasten your seatbelt on the flight?  Did you sit on a donut?  How did you manage the drains?
3.  Any other major learnings/cautions you have about flying after an LBL

Thanks so much!

I flew from Monterrey, Mexico to Ottawa, Canada.   Three plane changes.  I had a neck lift, breast lift and implants, and a large anchor cut.   
I stayed in the clinic for 3 days, then the hotel for another 12 days. 
Seat belt was no problem at all.  Not that I remember at all.  Drains were easy.  I'd empty in the airplane toilet, or at the airport between flights.  No big deal.
I only travelled with carry on, and ordered wheelchair assistance.  They put my purse on my knee and my carry on between my legs.  I took some food with me so didn't need to search airport for food. 
It was all pretty easy really.  I was tired of course getting home.  It was a long go.  Think I left Monterrey very early in the morning and arrived home about 11:30 pm. but that was the least of the issues.

Bonnie

With an LBL, you may have to stay about 4 or 5 days....at least I hope your surgeon would insist you stay that long. I had my LBL in Mexico, and had major complications, had to stay 2 weeks, and could not fly. LBL is a pretty major incision, so long flights might be uncomfortable. When I was able to go home, my friend actually picked me up and drove me home. It was about a 7 hr drive, and we stopped quite a bit for drain emptying, and me just having to get out of the car. I would say a donut probably wouldn't help, but get a pillow that you can put between the middle of your back and the back of the airplane seat...to keep your incision line from rubbing against the seat...hope that makes sense.
Where is CA are you checking out.... ?
Janel