Question:
Flying after Lap RNY?

I was wondering how soon anyone has flown after having a Lap RNY? I have the option of a Dec. 2 surgery date, however, have plans to visit family in California (I'm in the D.C. area), a 5 hour flight away, on Dec. 20. Is this too soon? I'm hoping to talk to my surgeon tomorrow, but I wonder if any other folks out there have encountered this? Thanks!    — Jess S. (posted on November 18, 2002)

November 18, 2002
I had my Lap RNY 13 days ago. Although I am feeling great, I would not consider flying that long of a distance for at least another month. You would be in danger of getting a blood clot from sitting so long. Also, if things don't go smoothly w/ your recovery, you would miss out on the trip. Of course, I know there are many people who fly out of state to get their wls and obviously, they fly home too. I just wouldn't want to do it electively. I'd have a good time on my trip and try to schedule my wls for early Jan.
   — Charree K.

November 18, 2002
You would probably do fine as long as you got up every so often and walked up and down the isle. The previous poster is right about the blood clot possibility. Another very important thing to remember is that for every hour we are flying, we lose a pint of fluid from our bodies, so dehydration is also an issue. You would have to constantly be drinking water, especially it being a 5 hour trip. So, if you must go, walk and drink throughout the flight.
   — Kim B.

November 19, 2002
I flew 6 days after my lap rny and a couple of times in the next 6 weeks with no problem. Like the other posters said just make sure to drink water and keep your legs moving.
   — maryburton

November 19, 2002
I flew from Jersey to San Francisco 3 weeks after my LAP rny and did fine. The hardest part of the travel was feeling nervous about being so far away from my doctor if something went wrong. If you're able to keep food down with no problem it should be OK.
   — Michael N.

November 19, 2002
At 3 weeks post-op, open RNY, I flew from Los Angeles to San Francisco and then from San Francisco to Northern California. I asked for a wheelchair to help me in San Francisco as I had a rather tight connection. I had no problems. I didn't even need the pain pill I had in my purse just in case! :o)
   — Jennifer A.

November 19, 2002
Hi... I flew home from Brazil at 2 weeks. It was a 20 hour day. Just get up and move while in flight, drink your liquids and have fun here in California! Happy Holidays! Jackie
   — Jacklyn C.