Question:
Flying after surgery.

I am 10 days out from lap rny surgery and in 10 days I will be flying cross-country. I will be about 4 days into the pureed stage. Any suggestions on what food I can bring on the plane? I thought of baby food, but you can only take 3 oz. containers. Should I just bring the powder for protein shakes? Or, can I bring baby food with a doctor's note?    — eddyrider3 (posted on February 2, 2008)

February 2, 2008
Hi Try going to the airlines web site. See if there is any information there. Also call your carrier and see what they tell you. They should be able to direct you. I wonder if you could freeze your food in ice cubes? Then it wouldnt be liquid then. Ask when you call.
   — Jesses_girl

February 2, 2008
Ask your surgeon first, so early on blood clots are a major risk. the main concern is sitting too long you should get a aisle seat and be up walking as much as possible. probably a good idea to tell the flight attendant whats up. Food isnt a real issue, the main thing is sip sip sip water constantly, air in planes has no humidity, it will dehydrate you fast. sip sip sip but first talk to your surgeon! they might give you support hose or other things to make it safer
   — bob-haller

February 2, 2008
Hi....I flew 5 days after surgery (just a 3 hour flight). I had to do an injection of some sort..I think it was a blood thinner and then I moved as often as possible while on the plane. Then I flew back, two weeks after surgery and aside from feeling uncomfortable, I was fine. I doubt you will want much food....certainly drinks as much water as you can.
   — Kristi S.

February 2, 2008
You can only bring liquids or purees in 3 oz containers, and only as much as will fit into a 1 quart ziploc bag. Powder is probably your best bet. You can pack baby food or anything you want in your checked luggage. These are TSA rules, and neither your surgeon nor your airline can get around it.
   — Beth F.

February 3, 2008
you can also take anything you can buy once your thru security, like large bottles of liquids. In any case talk to your surgeon before flying the bloodclot risk is real and bloodclots can kill
   — bob-haller

February 3, 2008
Baby food has too much sugar. How about Carnation instant breakfast? I would go with individual packets of protein powder. They have sample packets for 1 serving each in all kinds of flavors, even chicken soup at www.unjury.com. They come fast and taste GREAT! Have a good trip. Ronda
   — Jasnsma

February 4, 2008
Please be very careful!!!! That is way too long for you to be sitting right after your surgery. Call your surgeon ASAP and discuss this with him. You need to be moving a lot to avoid blood clots. This is serious!
   — Carlyn M.