Question:
My in-laws want to go on a family vacation four weeks post op! Is this possible?

Where will I be with pain and diet issues! They want to take the family to Las Vegas.    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 19, 2001)

August 19, 2001
I personally think that at 4 weeks you will have strength to go on a vacation. Hey in Vegas you get to sit alot with the gambling and the shows!Ha! Really though, I just returned from a 10 day vacation yesterday and I just had my 2 month anniversary date today. I had open-RNY on 6-19-01 and have done well so far, but I did begin some vomiting around week 4-5 at certain meals and times. This continued on my vacation. It takes a lot of planning and good choices when out and trying to eat in public. Don't forget your water and vitamins either. Can you tolerate protein bars or supplements with water? That can help. I also can eat beef jerky and nuts for some quick protein too. Some choices in fast food are obviously better than others...try to go to places with soup! Chick-fil-a has chicken noodle soup! I can tolerate Taco Bell pintos and cheese too. I also had a baked potato with cheese from Wendy's. I can now do some beef very well-chewed, yet chicken has not gone down as easy yet. I really still can only eat a few bites of anything, therefore I try to order appetizers, soup or order an entree that I know that my hubby or others will help me eat. Good Luck! I'm sure it will be fun and exciting for you.
   — Molly S.

August 19, 2001
I had open rny almost 8 weeks ago. I went to church camp as a counselor at 4 1/2 weeks post op then left camp and went to Sea World for 2 days. Everything went fine I was a little tired at the end of the day but other then that everything was fine. Just be sure your family remembers you will have to take it slow and have a couple of rests in the day. HOpe you have fun.
   —  Kris K.

August 19, 2001
If your surgery is uneventful and you get your protein & water regimen all straight and comfy, know what foods are "safe" for you, you can probably enjoy yourself mightily. You might have to nap a little, but hey, the pain should be minimal by then.
   — vitalady

August 19, 2001
Check the bottom of my profile for my regular every day or so description of my post op activities. For ME I felt great. Walked over a mile on my one week anniversary date of surgery. Matter of fact we were scheduled to go on a nine hour drive and two day vacation 5 days after surgery for a family reunion. We cancelled that because the surgeon wanted me close by in case of problems for the first 10 days. But I could of gone, I felt that good. Its still not a month since surgery, I have lost 41 pounds as of friday and feel awesome, back to work too.
   — bob-haller

August 21, 2001
I am 3 wks post op rny-lap and I wish I was on vacation instead of back at work!! I think the bottom line is that there is no way to tell ahead of time how you will feel. I had a very fast recovery but others don't.
   — Jules S.