Question:
I'm flying cross-country 8wks after my open DS. Will I be OK?

I'm 6 days pre-op, and my mind is reeling with all the stuff I have to think about, but this is high on the list. I'm concerned about the long flight (bathroom-wise). Also, can there be problems with the pressurized cabin? Is there anything I should or should not do to prepare for the flight?    — MaryM. (posted on February 19, 2002)

February 19, 2002
You should be fine. I travel with work quite often, and I was traveling 5 weeks after surgery. Take your own water with you for the flight, though, you'll need it. When you fly, you need about a liter of water for every 1 - 2 hours of flight, and those little 4 oz bottles of water they serve on the plane just don't cut it. Happy traveling!
   — lily1968

February 19, 2002
I flew from Delano, CA to Denver, CO two weeks after my surgery with no problem. I actually checked with my doc and I was given the okay to take some Immodium so I wouldn't have to worry that I needed to run to the bathroom on the plane. Just make sure you're at least flexing your feet every 15 minutes or so, even if it's not feasible for you to get up and walk down the aisles. Also, take some water and some nuts or a pudding snack or two so you have a snack on the plane. If I don't eat something every 2-3 hours, I get extremely nauseous! You may also want to take a Lunchable, so you can actually have a meal. It's amazing that a kid's lunch will fill us up..if we can finish it :) Anita in Denver Dr Keshishian 11/08/01 -55lbs
   — Anita N.

March 9, 2003
I flew 16 days after surgery with my physicians approval. My only warn is to limit the gas producing foods you eat prior to flight or skip pre flight meals. The reason GAS! When I flew I still had gas all the time. When flying the cabin pressurization does not keep up with the change in pressure due to altitude so what you have is expansion of the gas in your bowl. I had what had to be the longest, pardon my french, Fart in the world during the ascent I mean like a five minute fart!. I could not wait to get to the restroom where there was what I can only describe as an "explosive" incident. But my how relieved I was after! Best wishes!
   — Phitphreak

June 17, 2003
I live on Maui and had my surgery in Honolulu. When I got discharged 4 days post op I went home. Everything was fine on the flight except for the bumpy taxying of the plane. I told the flight attendant I had just had surgery and she was very helpful to assure me to call her if I was feeling light headed so she could drop the 02 for me. I was a 1/2 hour flight. I have to fly back next week to have my staples and feeding tube removed.
   — Sue K.