Question:
I am having surgery on the 21st of this month, I need your awesome advise.
After surgery is Christmas, I want to know if I will be up to traveling as far as a road trip to Las Vegas from Los Angeles. It is about a 4 hour trip. The family wants to know if I will be up to it. — psmeshell (posted on December 6, 2007)
December 6, 2007
Well everyone is different when it comes to recovery. I live more than two
hours away from the hospital where I had my surgery (the day before
Thanksgiving--also the 21st). I spent three days in the hospital in stead
of the usual two for RNY. The ride home was fine. I suppose the Lortab
helped a good bit, I don't even really remember the ride home that much, I
mostly slept. So, I would suppose if you have a relatively comfortable
vehichle you would most likely do fine. I would however, make sure your
surgeon knows you'll be travelling so far away so soon after the surgery.
It probably won't be a problem with him/her but it's good to at least let
them know.
Good luck, Leslie
— LuvNSummer
December 6, 2007
Sorry, but from my experience that would be a resounding NO WAY. Even if
you make the trip I doubt if you will feel like doing anything once you are
there. There is always next year.
I am sooo excited for you though. The surgery is just days away. Good
luck whatever you decide. Keep us posted after the surgery. You will be
in our prayers. Pat
— pjennjr
December 6, 2007
I wouldn't reccomend it. I only spent the usual overnight from RNY in the
hospital with no complications...came home and slept alot and walked.
Anesthesia makes me super tired for about a week after it. Remember,
you're not to bend over, or push anything like a cart etc for the first
week to 10 days. Like the previous poster said, I would talk to your
surgeon about it, but you must remember, you will have just had MAJOR
surgery, you NEED to rest and drink plenty of liquids! Give your stomach
time to heal! Good luck and God bless! See you on the losing side!
— crystalsno
December 6, 2007
Ask your surgeon! But mine advised against any long trips for a couple
weeks. long rides can lead to bloodclots which are more likely when sitting
for long perods, and doubly so after surgery when you will probably be
dehydrated at least a little. worse in the event of a complication wouldnt
it be better to be close to your surgeon who is already familiar with you?
If your surgeon approves I would fly since it would cut the long ride time.
Plus you will be recovering from major surgery. These are ALL good reasons
to remain home. I missed a family reunion after my WLS for all these
reasons. Plus the food centerdness of christmas might be a downer. If its
that important have you considered rescheduling till january after the
holidays?
— bob-haller
December 6, 2007
You may or may not be able to make the trip. Everybody has a slightly
different repsonse to these weight loss surgeries. Some people are back to
work in one week, while others are too tired and have "bathroom
problems" for the first month or so. I'd leave the invitation
open--if you feel good enough, make the trip. If not, don't chance having a
difficult trip.
— Dave Chambers
December 6, 2007
I just had my surgery ( lap band) on monday, 3 days ago. and while everyone
is different and I am doing really well. i would not recomend such a long
trip so soon after. I know from experience that even the most comfortable
cars can be an uncomfortable ride. the bumps and turns are painful for me.
as well as the complications that the other posts mentioned, I would take
into consideration you mental wellbeing. I know my family all feels bad
eating in front of me and that makes me feel uncomfortable. I dont want to
discourage you just provide some insight. which ever you decide I hope you
have a very merry christmas. maybe you could do the holidays a few weeks
later when you are feeling more up to it, and can enjoy it. Good Luck!
— lessismore
December 6, 2007
I think you probably could do the car trip but I wouldn't think you'd enjoy
a trip so soon even though it's the holidays. For me, I would only want to
be in my own house in loose comfy clothing or pj's. Even if everything
goes perfectly (which I'm sure it will) there are still minor things that
make you feel crummy for a while like swelling, difficulty tolerating food,
incisional discomfort, some bowel irregularities etc.
Also, if you commit to go and then don't feel up to it you might feel
pressured to go anyway because you said you would. It will add stress at a
time when you should try to reduce the stress and rest.
Whatever you chose, I hope you have a wonderful surgical experience, and
easy recovery and a great holiday :)
— Stacey D.
December 6, 2007
I wasn't ready for about 10-14 days, a bit sore until then. I would ask my
surgeon if I were you, sitting still with legs in that position that soon
after surgery can cause blood clots, so check with Dr. first to see if they
think it is okay, if you do decide to go, I would make frequent stops to
more around to be on the safe side.
— smf0926
December 6, 2007
I think it would be wise to wait this year.
— shalmar
December 6, 2007
Again it is up to you individually. I had a tough time riding home and it
was only an hour trip. I had to lie back and close my eyes the whole trip.
It will also even depend if you are released in time. Ask your surgeon.
— Pam_B_OR
December 7, 2007
My experience would say no. I agree...its not so much the drive-you'd need
to stop every hour or so and walk to help prevent bloodclots.(My drs.
Advice for my 4 hour drive home) but its the "socializing" that
would be expected PLUS the food issue that is harder to control when ur not
in ur own home. I just wanted AND NEEDED to take it easy. Good luck! I hope
ur family is understanding...
— wowmomma
December 7, 2007
I am sure your sugeon will say no because of the risk of a blood clot.
Mine would not let me sit for more than 30 min at a time. I had to get up
from my desk at work every 30 minutes and walk around the block. Blood
Clots are serious stuff. Don't risk it.
— Carlyn M.
December 7, 2007
I was wondering the same (for my 2 hour trip). I've told my family that I
probably will not make it this year. Same as the other posters have
said... uncomfortable ride, chance of blood clots, not being on schedule
yet with food and fluids, the temptation of holiday foods, you will
probably be tired and crabby.
— gonnadoit
December 8, 2007
Everyone is different. Where I had my surgery is 4 hours from my home and
I had RNY. I was in the hospital 3 days with surgery. I traveled with
lots of pillows to help cut down on the bouncing you get from the
interestate. I hope this helps and GOD BLESS YOU DURING THIS TIME AND
ALWAYS. Bev
— okiegirl
December 8, 2007
I haven't had my surgery yet, but my friend and I are both doing this
together, and he just had his surgery last week. From what I see with him,
recovery in the hospital is three days and then when you get home you are
still going to be very sore and tired, trying to get into the routine of
drinking fluids in small sips and figuring out how much of your liquid
protein you can take in at one time without feeling queasy. I don't think
traveling would be good for three reasons. One is the risk for blood
clots from sitting still in the plane for 4 hours, and the other is that
you will not be feeling too energetic, and will most likely not want to see
a christmas feast that you can't eat this year. Whatever you decide,
please consult with your doctor and nutritionist first. Take Care,
— [Deactivated Member]
December 9, 2007
Sorry, but NO NO NO!!! Even if you feel fine at first you will not after
being in a car for 4 hours. I am 3 days post-op and wouldn't even dream of
it. If I sit up for any period of time, my guts hurt....lol.....Not only
that, you need recovery time in a peaceful environment, and having a bunch
of family around is a lot to handle at that stage. Heed our advice please,
don't go!!! And good luck to you with your surgery also.
— thinner_thoughts
December 9, 2007
If you really feel like you must go then be sure to stop, get out and walk
frequently. Being a bigger person already puts you in danger of DVT(blood
clots) add surgery and not moving and the risks get even higher. Run it by
your doctor to of course.
— tazthewiz23
December 10, 2007
HI, I CAN'T BELIEVE SOME PEOPLE CAME HOME AFTER ONE NIGHT FROM A RNY
SURGERY. I WAS IN INTENSIVE CARE THREE DAYS AND IN THE HOSPITAL A TOTAL OF
FIVE DAYS. I CAN'T IMAGION IN MY WILDEST DREAMS HOW SOMEONE OVER 35O POUNDS
ON LIQUIDS WITH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CHANGES CAN DO IT, BUT GOD BLESS THEM!
YOU NEED TO SEE HOW LONG YOUR DOCTOR THINKS YOU NEED TO RECOVER AND BLOOD
CLOTS CAN FORM IF YOU DON'T MOVE EVERY SO OFTEN, PLUS YOU COULD STILL HAVE
A DRAIN AND STICHES. BE SAFE FIRST YOU WILL LOVE VISITING LATER. ANNA
— ANNAJEAN
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