Travel Plans? Advice please!

[Sweet 0]

I am being banded on June 10th (ahhhh!) and I have tentative travel plans scheduled for July 21st. The plans are to travel abroad and spend 10+ days traveling, touring, and perhaps even doing a little hiking. I have not spoken to my surgeon about this yet, but I wanted to find out what people's experiences have been. The flight is about 12-14 hours and its going to be a somewhat active trip. Am I being stupid? Am I going to be miserable on the flight and on the trip? Or is this trip feasible? How do people feel 6 weeks post-op?

I need advice!

[reverie 49]

I think 6 weeks post-op you will be fine. I am only 2 weeks and a few days post-op and I feel great. Yes certain things do still hurt a little, but definitely not as bad as it did. Bending over and moving the wrong way are my main issues.

I'd be careful with the hiking. Don't overdo yourself. But, it's definitely best to ask your surgeon, though I think you'll be fine.

Good luck and have fun on your trip!!

[NurseSophie 0]

I'm four weeks post up and have been back to work as a surgery nurse almost two weeks. I feel GREAT! Like reverie said bending over can hurt a bit but the last five days or so I've noticed very little pain if any. I'm starting to finally truly feel like ME!!!! I have learned to carry a lunch bag around with food I can eat and usually at least 2 bottles of Water. Have a GREAT time!

[jensmallwood 0]

I assume, given the nature of your trip, that you are already somewhat active. You will likely be feeling GREAT 6 week post op!

Your trip sounds fantastic-- enjoy it, and don't worry! You should even be on solid foods by then!

[Bandmom 0]

I am four weeks post op and feel great. I have issues bending over like they said (you can feel the port hit the ribs, or something that feels like that) but the incisions, and everything are just fine. I was warned that the flying can be a bit of an issue since the altitude can change the restriction on your band, so they said to stick with liquids several hours before the flight and the day after to allow it to resume normal restriction. Without a fill in you should do just fine with it though.

Just watch out of the tiredness......I feel fine most days, but sometimes the tiredness can just hit me. I was told by a nurse before that the medicine they use to knock you out can take quite a while to work out of your system, so often you will be running along fine and just hit a brick wall.....

[onikenbai 33]

You should be fine but I'd postpone your first fill until after you get back.

[SVM10 6]

I went to my local WLS support group meeting Tuesday evening and I found out something I had never heard before. The nurse told me that you must drink only liquids 2 days before a flight and 1 day after a flight because the altitude will cause the band to close or shrink. I am flying to CA from MS (about 4 hrs.) in July.

[Drasan 23]

I went on a trip 6 weeks post op. I talked with my surgeon about this and he postponed my first fill until after the trip. (turns out I didn't need one after the trip either)

Anyway, the plane ride was 10 hours there and 8 hours coming home. Once there, I was VERY active! I walked until the bottom of my feet felt bruised. It was a great trip! I had no problem with the band from the flight or my activity.

You should be fine. Have a wonderful trip!