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
Click Here to Return