Question:
What about travel?

I am only 4 weeks post op and I am supposed to go on a business trip. I really do not feel comfortable going. I am still trying to get my diet adjusted and figure out what I can and cannot tolerate. I think being away from home is going to make this very difficult. A big part of these corporate meetings is going out to fancy dinners at night. I do not think I am ready for that yet. I also do not think I am up for flying yet. Any suggestions. Should I talk to my doctor and get an excuse?    — deannadyall (posted on April 8, 2007)


April 8, 2007
heck I think you should just quit that job..I mean how in the world can they expect someone that has gone thru all that you have to fly and eat ...its insane
   — fishnrockport

April 8, 2007
At four weeks, I would of traveled, but the whole corp meeting and dinners and stuff....I would be ready now (7+ weeks), but at four, no. I would talk to your employer and if they insist, get a note from your dr or surgeon. Good luck.
   — jammerz

April 8, 2007
I wouldn't quit my job,but if you have an understanding boss,you might want to explain the situation to him/her,and ask for a break from work travel until you are comfortable with your new lefestyle. If you feel he/she would not be supportive,I would check out alternatives (like a medical leave or restrictions/limitations) from the doc.
   — peacelovecat

April 8, 2007
My surgeon said to fly should be no problem. He's never had a patient have pain etc while flying at any stage, be it one day or 8 weeks. However, the diet, yes, because of that I'd avoid meetings for a while...at least till 8 weeks out like the other poster said...Good luck!
   — crystalsno

April 8, 2007
Deanna, You sound like a big BABY! Whining about such nonsense! Give me a break, can't you come up with a problem???If not I suggest you post a POSITIVE Feedback or something else. You have got to be kidding me with that "you don't think you can fly yet" baloney. You haven't told anyone at work that you had the surgery is what all of this says to me...why not? No, you are not dieting "alone" you got the help needed to make you a SUCCESS at dieting. You can take a bite at a time of the APPETIZER ONLY for your entre! That will show you and your co-workers that you are serious about losing weight and becoming a different eater! I think they will support and applaud you rather than ridicule you. Those who are not rooting for you or say "just this once!" are the ones showing that they DO NOT LIKE you and would sabbotage you at any given chance...good time to take in the sharks in your office! Go! Have a BALL! It's ok...sheesh
   — LouAB

April 8, 2007
At 4 weeks you should be in the puree phase and heading towards some solid foods. When is the business trip? When you arrive at your destination you can always go purchase some protein drinks, bottles of water along with those Crystal Light tubes to put in the bottles of water -- this will help keep you hydrated. To not go on this business trip could also stall your career -- that maybe something you want to think about as well. We will always be figuring out what we can and what we can't tolerate --that is going to be a lifelong issue with this surgery. I'm almost 2 months out and am introducing solid foods back into my diest and so far so good I'm able to tolerate what I eat. My only concern will be when I get on the plane in June and it's about a 4-5 hour flight non-stop as to what they'll have on the plane that I can eat or drink -- besides water. I'll probably purchase something after I get past security to take on the plan with me. So if you're going to corporate meetings -- I'm sure your position calls for you to be innovative and creative on the job -- this will cause you to do the same thing. If you are still experiencing pain -- speak with your surgeon about travel. I wasn't allow to travel because my travel and surgery dates where so close together and the surgeon didn't want me to get sick on the plane or develop blood clots. You being 4 weeks out -- blood clots may not be a danger at this point.
   — the7thdean

April 8, 2007
Deanna... bottom line is that you do what is best for YOU... not what anybody else thinks, etc. If you are not comfortable going, don't. Just don't use your new tool as an excuse to use because you don't want to go. If you go and someone tries to keep forcing you to eat... take note that they aren't supportive and mark them off the "friendly" list and mark them on the "hostile" list. Physically, I think that you would have no trouble doing any of the flying, partying, etc. You might get tired out sooner, but there is your excuse to excuse yourself and go up to your room, grab a good movie, good book, take a nap, or go to the gym and work out. There is no excuse to not go, other than the fact that it sounds like you are scared of the unknown and having to explain why you are not eating like you used to. I have not met anyone that I have told who has not been 100% supportive of my decision. They may keep asking you "is that all you are having?" as they can't believe that you are feeling great with so little to eat. Just understand that those questions are coming from more of a place of concern or awe than of ridicule. So, after having said all of this... physically you can do it, go have fun and enjoy your new life... the focus is NOT food anylonger but the social interaction... If you truly are very stressed over this and it is causing you a great deal of lost sleep then skip out on this one. Just don't allow your fear to hold you back... you just might surprise yourself. After all, it takes a great amount of courage to have a physically altering surgery for the betterment of your health... enjoy and good luck... Kari
   — Kari_K

April 9, 2007
Our surgeon will not let you travel for 12 weeks. It's not just a food thing but if something happens while you are gone is there a Bariatric surgeon there that is willing to take your case? Alot won't.
   — Lost4Ever

April 9, 2007
First of all, Lou, I LOVE reading your responses to these questions because we must be kindred spirits. I am 3 weeks 3 days post op. Last weekend was my husband's 45th birthday and I took him out to a Shrimp Fest Buffet. He enjoyed himself thoroughly (two platefuls) and so did I.......I had a few bites of 3 boiled shrimp. I would dap the tiny pieces in cocktail sauce and then swab it on my napkin to just get a hint of taste. I was FINE. Remember to chew, chew, chew, and eat slowly. STOP when you are full, and I was full after about 1 and a half shrimp. But the point was I enjoyed spending time with my husband and letting him enjoy his special day. You have to remember that this is your journey, and not necessarily those around you. But you cannot cut yourself off from your social life. You will need this later on. I am already walking 3 miles a day and drinking all my water and trying to get in all my protein. Flying is a lot easier than riding in a car! Also, plan ahead. We went to the casinos for the entire day and quite late into the night. I took in my purse some string cheese and envelopes of cream of chicken soup. You can get hot water anywhere!! And they serve bottles of water also. My daughters and I went to visit a friend in the hospital when I was 2 weeks post op. They stopped off at a Mexican food restaurant. Why should I deprive them of the pleasure of eating the food of their choice? They ordered and when asked, I ordered a cup of boiling water. Then I mixed my cream of chicken soup (again) and enjoyed 30 minutes of sipping while they finished their meal. In fact, I took longer to eat then they did. Do not cut yourself off from life. This is the time to LIVE> Pamela Cranford
   — Txgal8437

April 14, 2007
The reality is those of us who travel alot for work, need to in order to be successful at what we do. I was on the road in the car and planes 3 weeks after... I felt every bump in the road, and was tired easily, but it can be done as long as your sergeon give you aproval. I found I ate cottage cheese and scrambled eggs alot on the road... Mc Donalds has it in the morning and its always way more then you can eat... so good luck, and safe travels!
   — colette73




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