Question:
How long do you have to wait to drive after gastric bypass surgery?

   — mawmawb (posted on December 21, 2006)

December 21, 2006
they told me to wait 10 days but i was driving the 4th day after my surgery. i had to, there was nobody here to assist.
   — _blue_

December 21, 2006
I WOULD SAY UNTIL UR HEALED UP PRETTY GOOD...THE MAIN REASON THEY SAY DONT DRIVE IS CUZ IF U GET INTO A WRECK U COULD REOPEN UR INCISION.......SO ID SAY ABOUT 2-3 WKS...BUT U HAVE GOT TO TAKE INTO COUNT WHAT KIND UR GETTING ARE THEY FULLY OPENING U UP OR ARE THEY DOING IT LAPERSCOPIC......IT MAKES A BIG BIG DIFFERENCE........AND SOMETIMES U HAVE TO DO WHAT U HAVE TO DO LIKE THE OTHER PERSON SAID THEY MAY HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES AND DONT HAVE THE HELP.......ID TALK TO UR DOC AND SEE WHAT HE RECOMENDS....
   — MIKI4

December 22, 2006
My surgeon recommended 2 weeks. I drove in about 9 days cause I couldn't stand waiting for others to chauffeur me around.Getting in and out of the car was something you want to take slow whether you do the driving , or someone else does.It was quite uncomfortable especially on my left side. Try to go out when it's not soo crowded and you don't have to rush. It gets better as time goes on,this I promise. Best of luck to you!
   — purnellj

December 22, 2006
I had laproscopic RNY and was told I could drive as soon as I was off narcotic painkillers. Best of luck to you!
   — Jenn F.

December 22, 2006
I was told not to drive until 10 days, really waiting until I had no more pain meds in my system. I drove on Tuesday (had surgery Friday). I didnt drive too far or too long. I actually had a more difficult time getting in and out of a car than I did with my SUV because of my incisions.
   — A Q.

December 22, 2006
You have to wait until your doctor says that you can drive. Usually, it is when you are about 2 weeks out and have stopped ALL narcotic pain killers. Chris
   — ChristineB

December 22, 2006
my surgeons answer was "when you are off the narcotics" -- i had Open RNY on a Wed -- home on Fri -- driving on Monday -- i stopped taking the percocets on Saturday night -- good luck to you :) REMEMBER everyone is different!! ask your own surgeon :)
   — RCassety

December 23, 2006
I was allowed to drive after I was off from the pain killers, so I was driving on the 6th day. Good Luck
   — yanynna

December 23, 2006
I had to wait until I was off the pain meds and I could comfortably wear the seatbelt again. I'm thinking it was a couple of weeks.
   — Leisa

January 2, 2007
I too was going to ask that question. I am a delivery driver for a florist.. and I drive all day long.. I told him I was going to be out for 6 weeks.. mostly because I don't really want to move in and out of the car and lift vases. Besides... can you imagine.. Valentines day is 3 wks after my surgery date.
   — jasonsexybabe

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