Fly or drive?

I live New Mexico and there arent any surgeons that do it here so my parents and I are going to El Paso, Tx which is 4 hours away to have our surgeries done. It really isnt a big deal because that is where we are orignally from and we go there to visit every 2-3 months. My question is, is it too much to drive back after having the surgery or should I fly? To fly there it only takes 45 minutes but to drive takes 4 hours. To drive would be alot cheaper and easier on us so that we dont have to rely on other family members to have to pick us up or take us there. My mom is having her surgery next Tuesday and my dad is driving her down there. Im still trying to get approved and so is my dad and we are hoping that we will be able to go together and have it done.

In my opinion after having any type of stomach or chest surgery every bump you hit driving home is like getting hit with a baseball bat.  For me driving home which takes 30-45mins was painful that was either same day of surgery or the day after.  If you are going home like 2 days after surgery I would fly, if it is like 5-7 days after surgery I don't really see a prob with driving.  it may be uncomfortable but it would be ok.  But if you do drive, drive with a pillow against your stomach to help against any bumps/seat belt irritation.

I moved to south carolina during my qpproval process and had a three hour drive after surgery...It wasn't that bad, we stopped a couple of times, I had my pain meds, etc...I think I would rather drive, because travelling through airports is always hectic enough when you haven't just had surgery, and the time savings won't be that much when you add the time to get to and from the airports, go through security (remove your shoes!), and wait around in the terminal...IMO, I would drive...

I would drive.  My surgery was about 4 hours away from where I lived, and I just made sure to get my pain meds filled at a pharmacy near the hospital before we started the drive home.   I can't imagine trying to lug a carry-on or luggage through an airport right after surgery.  I think driving would be easier.

we had to drive a little over 3 hours each way. i had no problem, honestly took a pain pill, and about 30 minuets into the drive i slept until we got home. just drive, its cheaper and not a big deal, just make sure when and if you stop to get out and walk around, plus make sure to walk around before and after the drive, to lessen the chance of blood clots.

If it was me, I would drive.  Just because you have more control to stop when you need to.   You can pack a cooler with your water and anything you may need.  That and landing really makes me sick.   Good luck with everything!~Leslie

I would drive! But just remember if you all have it done the same time, noone will be able to drive you home! I don't think i was allowed to drive for 2 weeks after surgery, and i think thats the same for all abdominal surgery. So if you are doing it together someone else would need to come to drive you all home! :) Good luck on your approval!

Thank you so much! Michael , after thinking about it... carrying my luggage and having to take my shoes off and all of that really doesnt sound like fun. It would be so much easier to drive. Thanks for you help guys!

I would drive. Before I lost weight the seats were way small on the air plane