Flying After Surgery

[Bruce1965 8]

Am scheduled to fly across the country 9 days after surgery on business. Can anyone tell me if that's an issue?

[slojo67 125]

I've heard you should walk around whenever possible on the flight. go to the bathroom every 1/2 hour or so to prevent blood clots. You might be far enough away from your surgery to not have to worry about it but i've heard it can cause blood clots (DVT).

[slojo67 125]

also heard it can make band feel tighter....

[elcee 3,341]

I've flown plenty of times and never had an issue. According to my Dr you are more likely to have problems flying if you have an unfilled band - the air in it can expand whereas apparently the saline doesn't.

[Gigi_Girl 77]

I agree with walking as often as possible to prevent blood clots. Tell your doctor about the flight. If he uses Lovenox (injectable blood thinner) he may prescribe that you continue the injectable doses post surgery for a couple of weeks. I had my surgery on Monday and have 14 days of shots as an added prevention to blood clots.

[FLORIDAYS 3,040]

Being banded and flying isn't a problems. Flying 9 days after major surgery may be. Technicaly you may be fine...but until you see how your body reacts its an unknown. It was 2 weeks before I felt like the old me... So I suppose I could have done it but glad I didn't have to. Furthermore... Are you going to be able to eat properly away from home. Your body is healing and I don't know how long your dr has you on liquids but I was on them for 3 weeks. That may be a challenge

Good luck

[radarluv 59]

I am a flight attendant and was back to full duty flying at 10 days post op. Pushing/pulling cart's that are 100's lbs. 3-4 take off landings a day, opening and closing aircraft doors that are hundreds of pounds. It's fine. Period.