Question:
Traveling 11 days post op

I am scheduled for lap RNY on May 13, we have plans to travel about 4 hours by car over the memorial weekend which is 11 days after my surgery. Did anyone else travel that soon? Any advice on how I may feel or what I might take with me for comfort? Thanks for the info.    — Maggie M. (posted on May 1, 2003)

April 30, 2003
Hello! To get home after my RNY, my husband and I had to drive two and a half hours from the hospital to the airport, then an hour flight home, and then another hour to actually get to our house. That was 5 days post-op! I think by 11 days post op you'll be feeling much better. Just be sure to get out and stretch often, walk around, and take your pain meds with you just in case. Don't forget your protein, too! I think you'll be fine. A little weak maybe, but probably fine.
   — raye

April 30, 2003
Do talk to your surgeon. In general for your safety get up and walk at least 10 minutes every hour when traveling. To minimize bloodclots. Drink you water and enjoy by that time you will have lost many pounds:)
   — bob-haller

May 1, 2003
Hi there.. I am 10 weeks post op now. I had my surgery on Feb 18 in Little Rock, Arkansa and I live in Peterborough, Ontario,Canada. I flew home on day 10 - it was a 6 hour flight including one layover... I made out fine. I took a pillow to keep over my belly (I had an open RNY) and held it close when I needed to - it stopped the 'jiggle'! I used a wheelchair, mind you, so I wasn't walking long distances. You will be fine, just do stop every couple of hours to stretch your legs and reduce your risk of blood clots in your legs. Good luck with your surgery!! Carla
   — Carla O.

May 1, 2003
Diane, you should be alot better by then, but the bumps in the road may cause you some discomfort, so hopefully whoever is driving can try to minimize them for you! For instance, I have an SUV and my dad has a regular car, he would always drive that instead b/c the Jeep was bumpier and was a little uncomforting to my tummy. Also, make sure to take a break EVERY hour and walk for a few minutes. I know it will be a pain, and make the trip a little longer, but you'll still be at risk for blood clots, so you need to stretch your legs as often as you can. Otherwise you should be fine! Goodluck and have fun!
   — Lezlie Y.

May 2, 2003
I travelled 4 hours by car just to get home from the hospital after an open RNY. It's very doable!
   — [Deactivated Member]