international travel soon after surgery?

[elynnmo 15]

Anyone have experience with significant travel in the first month after surgery? I'm scheduled for surgery just ten days before flying to Africa, and just want to get feedback.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

You really need to talk to your doctor first.

You'll still be healing and still on the post op diet. In fact, you may even still be on liquids only, depending on your doctor's schedule. Plus, you're at increased risk for blood clots so soon after surgery.

Get your doctor's clearance to travel first.

[gigglypug 77]

Anyone have experience with significant travel in the first month after surgery? I'm scheduled for surgery just ten days before flying to Africa' date=' and just want to get feedback.[/quote']

I travelled to Ecuador (2x5 hrs flights) 6 weeks post-op. While it went fine, my doc still had some concerns about bloodclots and I had to make sure to get up and walk around every few hours.

Personally, I would NOT schedule surgery this close to a major trip (and if you're flying economy class, I'd discourage you even more). Risk of blood clots aside, your diet is still likely to be very restricted 10 days post-op and compliance can be very difficult when traveling, even more so abroad. Also, some people report their band tightening up during flight (mine is now tighter at altitude, too, but that didn't start until after fills). My first flight was a very brief LAX-Phoenix flight, after that I was reassured that flying would not pose A significant issue.

How about taking your Africa trip, enjoying it without worry, and THEN get the band?

[elynnmo 15]

I did tell them I'd be flying, and there did not seem to be an issue. I'll check again tho, especially for the clot issues. To me, being on liquid is easier for the trip... I'm loaded up on powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury products to take.

I guess my resistance in waiting is that I'm so ready to move forward after being stuck so long. I don't want to wait any longer than I have to.

Thanks for the input

[skb123 308]

I had a trip planned for the 3rd of August, I chose to cancel my travel plans when got my surgery date. My doctor did say I could go if I felt up to it, but she was concerned about moving around and not sitting for long periods. I'd talk with my doctor about it if I were you.

[dawalsh 919]

Well, I took a cruise 3 weeks after my surgery, which was on 12/28. Then in February I spent 5 days in Riviera Maya. Africa is not in my plans for this year but I am going to Cuba on a cultural people to people exchange program in 2014. I am nervous about that because I have no idea what to do if a complication sets in. This is tentatively set. I'm going to speak to my surgeon before I commit to that for sure. I have not let the band stop me from traveling thus far so as long as I get my doc's advice. If he says don't go I probably won't but I'm full of surprises lol!

[HotButterFly 981]

I also had plans to travel two and a half weeks after surgery... But I canceled.

[gigglypug 77]

One more comment:

If you chose to go ahead with the surgery, I'd strongly recommend getting travel insurance. I would imagine the Africa trip is quite a financial commitment and this way you have at least some peace of mind. Complications, while unlikely, are still a possibility and you also don't know how you'll feel (people here report needing to use pain meds anywhere from not at all to two weeks...).

Are you heading into the bush or staying close to civilization? I postponed my first fill because I was heading to the Galapagos the next week and didn't want to risk needing an emergency unfill so far from any medical care. Dealing with the lap band requires special equipment/needles that are not likely to be found in many developing countries.

I can appreciate your impatience to get started. Realize that lap band works over months or years and that two weeks more or less are not likely to matter in the long run...

[elynnmo 15]

I've already got the travel insurance for the trip. I'm actually trying to move my date up to give a little more time before travel. If that doesn't work, I'm going to evaluate from there.

[dawalsh 919]

I tell everyone to get traveler's insurance. It's worth it! Glad you have the insurance. It will give you peace of mind.

[elynnmo 15]

I just saw your "title"of lap band evangelist... Love it!