Question:
Travelling 3.5 hours for surgery, how to prepare for the ride home as a post op?

I will be traveling out of state for my surgery and was wondering will I be up to the three and half hour car ride home after the surgery? I decided to go up to BTC in Ohio because I got an earlier consultation date...this month instead of June 13th...and I will be able to have the surgery sooner because I need to have my hip surgery ASAP. If anyone has went to this facility, how was your stay and are they pretty good about getting ins approval? I would like to go ahead and thank you for any responses.    — Schtina J. (posted on April 1, 2003)

April 1, 2003
I had my surgery Sept.19,2002 at BTC in Michigan and drove an hour. The ride home was ok, but I did get a vicodin before I left. The nurse wanted me to be comfortable and im glad she cared lol Good luck!!!
   — Sandy M.

April 1, 2003

   — Jazzy

April 1, 2003
I had them give me a pain med dose before I left the hospital. I only had an hour drive though. Maybe you can get your pain prescriptions filled at the hospital in case you need more on the way home. Good Luck!!!
   — Carol S.

April 1, 2003
Take your pain meds before you leave and bring a pillow to hold close as you ride home.
   — SarahC

April 1, 2003
I too am going to the BTC (Belvidere) and it is also 3 1/2 hours away. My doctor told me to make sure to stop and walk around at least every hour. Also based on other information I have gotten from this site, take a pain meds just before leaving. And as others say, a small pillow to hold against your incision. Best of luck to you. - Janine
   — jmusser

April 1, 2003
Hi!! I was 7 hours away from the hospital where I had my surgery. I recommend you have pillows and stay on top of your pain meds, don't wait until you hurt instead take them on schedule. Also, make sure to stop at least every hour to walk around for 5 min. or so. In the vehicle it makes good sense to move your legs and twirl your ankles occaisionally as well. To be honest with you the hospital beds were so uncomfortable that the ride home was a breeze! Roberta, -102 pounds, Lap RNY 9/10/02
   — Roberta S.

April 1, 2003
I am still pre-op but I am having my surgery at BTC-Wylie, Texas. I will be traveling about 6 hours to have my surgery. I am very worried about the long trip! But I am sure it will all go okay. I noticed everyone answered your question about the ride home. I thought I would answer your question about insurance approval. I had my consultation in Feb. 2002. I got a letter from my insurance company less then 4 weeks later telling me I was approved. About 5 days later I got a call from the scheduling department at BTC. They wanted to set me up for surgery for April 8. However I decided to put the surgery off for a year. So the process went REALLY quick. I don't know if this was because of my insurance or because of BTC. I have an appointment for 4-24-03 for a revisit. I will not have to go through the approval process again. I just have to meet with the doctor and get a surgery date. Best of luck!
   — Maria S

April 1, 2003
Schtina, I would make sure they give you a pain shot, not just a pill before the trip. For me personally, pills do not work as good as an injection, and trips home can be bumpy, so it may hurt you a little. But I was an hour away, not that long, but I had pillows and made sure my dad drove pretty calmly. No quick movements went slower than usual, and avoided any bumps. It was really helpful that he was aware of everything. Also, make sure to walk atleast every hour. I would suggest every half hour in a car. I know it's a pain to have to stop so often, and it will take longer to get home, but it truly is ESSENTIAL to prevent blood clots and pneumonia. Goodluck to you!!
   — Lezlie Y.

April 1, 2003
Hi Schtina! My trip from the hospital was about the same, 3 1/2 hours. I made sure they gave me pain pills right before I left, had a "cough pillow" for my belly, and stopped every 45 minutes (which if you are traveling major highways, there is usually a rest stop about that often) and walked for 5 minutes. I also would recommend something to sip on. It really was not that bad, though I definately felt every bump. I wish you the best of luck!! (Open RNY 1/2/03 -64 lbs) Alli :)
   — Allison B.

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