Question:
How soon after should we travel?

I'm having surgery on April 1st (YEA!!!) And I'm supposed to go away on a long weekend retreat about 8 weeks later. It will be about 4 hrs away from home. Is it wise to be that far away that soon? Also, the weekend revolves a lot around eating, and I'm not sure if I'll be up to answering all kinds of questions as to why I'm not eating "enough". I'd appreciate any ideas on this. Thank you. :-)    — KellyJeanB (posted on February 21, 2003)

February 20, 2003
You should be feeling good by then. Plan on getting out and walking a bit on the drive so you dont get bloodclot from sitting 4 hours straight. I would just tell your group you had WLS like Al Roker. By then the weight will be peeling off. If you try to hide it then folks will fear you have cancer or another dreaded disease. Better to be upfront, its NOTHING to be ashamed of.
   — bob-haller

February 20, 2003
The Bariatric Treatment Center told me if I am going travel right after surgery that for every hour I am riding in the car, I should stop, get out and walk around for 10 minutes or so.
   — danielk

February 20, 2003
I went camping about 8 hours away two or three months post op and I was fine. I was just not to fly for 4 weeks. At 8 weeks you will be on solid food. Just take a bag of things that you know are going down well then. Stick with easy choices around other people.
   — Linda A.

February 20, 2003
I'm 47, and 4 weeks after I had lap RNY I went 20 hours down and 20 hours back on a bus with a bunch of teenagers to Florida. I had a great time and plenty of energy. By that point I had lost some weight, felt fabulous and was willing to let anyone and everyone know about my surgery. I was just starting soft foods (from pureed) and I was able to find plenty of things I could eat. Have fun!
   — koogy

February 21, 2003
I am 9 weeks out at this time and I feel well enough to go on a long weekend outing. I had a few complications following my surgery but am doing great now. Just remember to walk as much as you can.
   — Sheryl W.