Question:
How long after laproscopic sugery could I fell well enough to be active?

I started the process to have surgery in Dec. of 2003. I was under the impression that by Sept of 2004 I would be well on the way to recovery. Well as things have turned out I will be getting my surgery probably around the 14th of July. We fly to Florida(trip already paid for- no rebooking option) on Aug 30th. My Dr's office keeps telling me I have nothing to worry about. Most people return to work in 2 weeks. Our vacation consists of 5 days at various theme parks with lots of fun rollar coasters. My husbands birthday falls around this time that is why we are taking this trip. I do not want to ruin my family's vacation. I am so looking forward to this trip!!! I am a person who has no mobility problems right now, just 160 lbs. overweight. Thank for any advice.    — Joy H. (posted on June 17, 2004)

June 16, 2004
Pending no complications you should be ok. I felt great the day I came home. Just remember to drink drink drink and rest when and if needed. If there are complications ..and they do happen (my sister had them) you will be down and out for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Keep a positive attitude and know that you will be in our prayers for a quick recovery and a wonderful trip. God Bless. 351 1/27/04 - 265 6/17/04 Lap RNY
   — Vitabella

June 16, 2004
It will be very hot, you will be doing a lot of walking, and the airplane will be very dry. Water, water, water. Otherwise, I think you should be fine, barring complications. Make sure the doctor is aware of you riding roller coasters and approves that you will be healed enough to tolerate the jarring. Have fun!
   — Yolanda J.

June 17, 2004
I think you'll be fine. It's about 5 or 6 weeks in between right? Most rides have lap bars and maybe an over the shoulder to the chest restraint, none of which should interfere with your small incisions. However, with the rapid weight loss, would it be a pain to reschedule your trip a month? I'm just thinking how much more comfortable you'd be on the rides after losing as much as you can! Before surgery, I fit in SOME rides, but definitely not all of them. Sorry for rambling, you'll have fun no matter what you decide, and I'm sure you'll be up to it :o) GOOD LUCK!
   — ScottieB86

June 17, 2004
You will be fine! I was 46 years old when I had surgery in October of 2002. At Thanksgiving, I went to Florida from Ohio in a motor coach with a high school marching band! We had a blast! We went to Islands of Adventure and other theme parks, and I rode the rides and did everything I wanted. I knew this trip was coming up one month after surgery, so I got my butt in gear and started walking the day after I go home from the hospital, to build up my endurance. I was a lightweight, and had lost 35 lbs by the time we went on the trip. I actually had much better endurance and more energy than other parents that went on the trip!Just follow the post op rules to the letter and get moving, and you will have a great time on your vacation. Have fun!
   — koogy

June 17, 2004
I "only" lost 125 pounds and had NO medical problems but I can tell you I felt like MAJOR CRAP for the first 8 weeks after surgery. I didn't go back to work for 5 weeks. Everyone heals differently. I felt like I had been hit by a truck!!! I know others who are out shopping in the first week!! All you can do is see how you feel when the time comes.
   — Patty H.

June 18, 2004
I'm 4 weeks post op today and would do fine on the trip you described. Go and have fun! *Tink :fairy:
   — RunTink

June 18, 2004
Just my own experience...I felt kind of bad for the first week after surgery because I'm very short and the air they put in during the surgery didn't absorb into my bowel so I could eliminate it. I absorbed it all in the upper portion of my chest and neck. After the first week, I felt really well and am doing great at 5 months post op and losing 84 pounds. Have a great vacation!!!
   — Katherine F.

June 30, 2004
I had open RNY and was feeling great within a month after surgery...so I would say that you should have no problems enjoying your vacation with your family....have fun!
   — Carol F.