Question:
Flying home right after lap RNY?

Hello, I am currently on a 7 month waiting list for the lap rny in Portland OR, but am so anxious to get this done that I've discovered a surgeon in Boise who can schedule me before the end of February. It's a 10 hour drive but a very short flight- how feasible is the idea of flying home right after I leave the hospital? I just can't afford to stay in a hotel for the week or 2 after the surgery and don't have the support for post op care either. It's such a quick flight that if I could manage it pain wise I could get the care I need at home and then fly back for my first post op check up. Thanks so much- this website has been the best resource ever.    — Leisl L. (posted on January 13, 2002)

January 13, 2002
Flying would be best if you ask me... I live in las vegas and had my open rny in san diego calif i was gonna drive home with hubby but instead i flew and he drove.. the flight was the right choice...the dr said if i drove home with hubby we would have to stop every half an hour so i could walk a bit to avoid blood clots...not a good drive if you ask me...just make sure if you fly that u pre board so u can get a seat up front and on the end ... good luck with your surgery..
   — Deanna Wise

January 13, 2002
Hi. I think you'll be just fine as long as you have someone with you to look after you -- even if you have to explain your situation to the flight attendant. A word of advice. If you take blood pressure meds, and it has a diuretic combined, DO NOT TAKE IT until you are home. I made of mistake of taking mine before I left the hospital with a lap rny and have a four hour drive. My daughter had to pull over at a restaurant approx every 20 min. and I had to get out of the car, to into the place and use the bathroom. It was pure hell. the worst experience of my whole surgery ordeal. Fly. You'll do good.
   — blank first name B.

January 13, 2002
One other option. check to see if your surgeon's hospital has a Hospitality House, kind of like a Ronald Mcdonald house. My did. I stayed there pre-op for $10/day/person and my daughter and her husband had their own room. those people were great to us. You may be able to stay a day or two until you are really ready to fly.
   — blank first name B.

January 13, 2002
Flying would be fine but check with your surgeon first, Ours requires post ops to remain in the immediate area for 10 days, till the first post op appointment. This is for our own safety, in case of complications..
   — bob-haller

January 13, 2002
My surgery was done 350 miles away from home. I had RNY. Surgery was Friday and I rode home in my car( my husband drove) on Sunday. The big concern was blood clots from inactivity so we stopped every hour to walk around. I had minimal pain after surgery. I didn't need pain meds after the first 12 hrs.The ride home really was not uncomfortable. Just my experience. Everyone is different.Flying would be faster. Good luck.
   — buttrrfli

January 14, 2002
I live in Boise. Let me know if I can be of any help. You can email me at [email protected]. Good luck!
   — Julie D.