Question:
Is airline travel okay when you are less than 6 weeks post-op?

I have been told that flying before you are 6 weeks post-op, can put you at risk for blood clots. Has anyone heard this?    — LAURIE C. (posted on March 28, 2003)

March 28, 2003
My surgeon told me 4 weeks.
   — Linda A.

March 28, 2003
Yes it's true that flying can cause blood clots at anytime, not just after surgery. You HAVE to make sure that you get up and walk a little bit (difficult in a plane I know) or roll your ankles around in a circle to get the circulation going in your legs. It is VERY important that you do something to keep the blood flowing. My mom recently died from a blood clot (caused by a broken leg). You should be ok though, but make sure you do some exercises! :o)
   — fropunka

March 28, 2003
Just wanted to point out that a lot of people fly out of state or even the country to have this and other surgeries, and yes they fly home afterwards. If you sit a long while they suggest you get up and walk at least every hour - same as for long car trips home from the hospital.
   — Shelly S.

March 28, 2003
Well let me tell you my situation, I live in NY and had my WLS in Los Angeles. We flew into LA on a Sunday night at midnight, had all my perop testing done on Momday morning. goofed off on Tuesday and had my LAP WLS on Wednesday morning. Left Hospital on Friday around 1:00pm, stayed till the next wednesday and did leak test PASSED that and was cleared by my Dr to fly home at that time if I wanted to. But we stayed till the weekend and flew home on Sunday night. Had no problems and did foot streching thing on the plane, weight lost since 02/19/2003 51lbs.
   — tonyskid

March 28, 2003
Flying causes dehydration. Humidity in airliners is ZERO percent. Planes are pressurized but not humidified. Get up and walk the cabin for at least 10 minutes each hour, tell the crew why your doing this. Flight attendants are watching for unusual behavior today. Do ask your doc but it will likely be OK. Get a FIRST CLASS ticket the bigger seat will help blood circulation and comfort.
   — bob-haller

March 28, 2003
I am flying from Michigan to Florida next week & will be 4 weeks post-op. I asked my surgeon about it today & he told me to go to a pharmacy and get some compression Knee Highs, because I am still at risk for blood clots. Well, I went to the pharmacy & they fitted me for some, but they were out of my size. Luckily, they will get some in by next week when I leave. My surgeon also suggested & move my legs & ankles around while I am sitting in my seat & to get up every once in a while & walk around. Luckily I have a stop over on the way down & on the way back, so I can walk around then also.
   — jarrett318