Question:
Is it OK to travel 7 hours to have the surgery?
I live in VA. Self-Pay. I've been the most impressed with the Barix clinic in PA but I'm scared about traveling so far. What if I have complications? — Jennifer V. (posted on April 13, 2006)
April 13, 2006
You wont be having complications driving to your surgery location, but most
surgeons who treat patients who live a great distance from the hospital or
out of state usually require they stay at a hotel until their first post op
visit, sometimes 2visits. It all depends on your surgeon. Have you
discussed this with your surgeon yet?
Cindi -223#
— DollyDoodles
April 13, 2006
i had to drive 4 hours for my surgery. i stayed in the hospital 3 days i
had mine at a barix clinic too. it was great. they knew i had a long drive
home and gave me a extra blood clot shot befor i left and told me to stop
and get out of the car and walk a little bit every hour or so. i didn't
have any problems. but if i had of i would of gone to my er and had them
call the barix clinic. so i had no fears of coming home. i had my surgery 8
months ago and have lost 100 lbs. good luck
— hjdj70
April 13, 2006
I traveled 4 hours. I was in the hospital for 5 days before traveling home
AND had to come back 7 days after release. I handled it pretty well...with
the pain killers. I'm not sure I would have wanted to travel 7. If you
have the finances I would plan to stay the night somewhere in between to
spread the trip over two days.
— RebeccaP
April 13, 2006
I traveled 5 hours to go to barix clinics. I have to say it was well worth
the trip. I didnt have any complications as of yet (I am 5 weeks post-op).
When I did have questions though or I thought something was not right,
there is a 24 hr number that will page the Dr. on call and he will call you
back. anytime day or night.
— brat73
April 13, 2006
Jennifer,
I traveled from Oregon to Spain for my surgery - so yeah, 7 hours is okay.
The keys are:
1. Be sure to adhere to your surgeon's recommendations! I.e., my surgeon
requires us to stay in Spain for 10 days after surgery. We fly home
usually on the 10th or 11th day post-op.
2. Ask your surgeon whether or not they use an anti-coagulation therapy
for post-ops - if so, that can help prevent some complications.
3. Be sure to strictly adhere to your surgeon's post-op diet - that will
help your healing processes!
Of course, complication can happen with ANY surgery - heck, I got the
little conference on the chance of blood clot or death when I had a toe
surgery done! But, it's possible. You need to prepare for that
possibility. Whether that means having a financial reserve set aside to
deal with that possibility, or arranging for a contingency plan for
accomodations, etc. Also, be sure to ask questions about what kind of
costs you would be held responsible for as a self-pay patient if
complications were to arise. I've heard of post-op compliations running as
high as a million bucks - not to scare you, but it's important to know the
ifs, ands, or buts!
Best of luck to you!
Blessings,
dina
— Dina McBride
April 13, 2006
Hi Jennifer.... one thing you have to worry about is blood clots. After
surg we are at a greater risk for them and sitting for long periods can
increase that risk. If you drive that far make sure toet out and walk
around to get the blood flowing about once an hour. Good luck to you!
— SteffieBear15
April 14, 2006
Post your inquiry to the Virginia board - I think you'll find better
options closer to home.
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/VA/posts.html
— blues-singer
April 14, 2006
i had to fly to mexcio! so far so good! it's all up to you in the end! talk
to your surgeon!
— vickig
April 15, 2006
I'm with Bobby on trying the VA board. I'm a fellow Virginian.....there
are tons of surgeons in VA that are excellent. MIne is excellent, but long
story short he's not a true bariatric surgeon, a general surgeon who does
gastric bypass....excellent, but I wont recommend him because in hindsight
I know a bariatric specialist is best(my opinion!) Nonetheless there are
tons of great people on the VA boards who've had tremendous success with
their bariatric specialists....give them a holler!
— [Deactivated Member]
April 17, 2006
I went 6 hrs. for my surgery but I went by airplane. My sister-in-law rode
in a veh. for 6 hrs after her's tho and it was fine. If you fly you just
have to make sure you keep your legs moving to prevent blood clots...
— NYCindy
Click Here to Return