Travel After Surgery

diddled · July 29, 2011

I have just received a phone call telling me my surgery has been approved and scheduled for August 15th. I was not counting on it happening this fast so we have a vacation planned to go to Florida on August 22nd. I really don't want to disapoint my kids and cancel the vacation and it seems as far as work is concerned this is perfect timing. I would love some feedback on how people have felt a week after surgery and if a vacation seems unreasonable (I can just relax at the hotel while the family does the amusement parks). thanks for any input you might have.

InProgress · July 29, 2011

How far are you from FL? You're supposed to stop every hour to walk for 10 or 15 minutes. That certainly figures in. I had to do a lot of arranging and rearranging for vacations because of mine. I had my surgery last Mon and honestly I could've gone on vacation this week (with minimal walking, bending, stretching, etc) had I not had my extra appendage (drain) until Tuesday. However, I think I'm in the minority. And with reservations and deposits it makes it iffy for sure - especially if you are far from your doc. However, if you could HONESTLY lay around in the hotel and rest without the stresses of home, feeling guilty or your family being angry, I'm thinking it might be some good r&r but remember you won't really even be able to go out to eat in the evening very easily because of your diet. Good luck on your tough decisions, Congrats on your upcoming sleeve and keep us posted!

diddled · July 29, 2011

We are about 10 hours by car from FL but my family will drive and I will fly if I deside to go with them. IThanks for the advise this is going to be a tough one.

How far are you from FL? You're supposed to stop every hour to walk for 10 or 15 minutes. That certainly figures in. I had to do a lot of arranging and rearranging for vacations because of mine. I had my surgery last Mon and honestly I could've gone on vacation this week (with minimal walking, bending, stretching, etc) had I not had my extra appendage (drain) until Tuesday. However, I think I'm in the minority. And with reservations and deposits it makes it iffy for sure - especially if you are far from your doc. However, if you could HONESTLY lay around in the hotel and rest without the stresses of home, feeling guilty or your family being angry, I'm thinking it might be some good r&r but remember you won't really even be able to go out to eat in the evening very easily because of your diet. Good luck on your tough decisions, Congrats on your upcoming sleeve and keep us posted!

Nancy Rivers · July 29, 2011

I was fine a week after surgery - I drove from Cincinnati, Ohio to Michigan (about a 5.5 hour drive each way) and back in one day. Yeah, I stopped and walked for a few minutes each hour which made the trip a bit longer, but I needed to do it. I didn't have any pain or nausea after surgery and bounced back really quickly.

travelbum · July 30, 2011

Be careful! I had my surgery on the 19th and still get very tired easily. I'm also struggling with pain on my left side and back. Also, I had 2 hernia's repaired that I had no idea I had..not sure if that's why my recovery has been slower. I'm shocked how much longer it has taken me to recover. I had planned on taking my kids to the waterpark my 2nd week off but with the heat there was no way. We are going in a week for our family vacation to San Fran and I hope I'm energized enough for all the walking. good luck!

emsnewlife · July 31, 2011

I traveled 1 week from surgery and was fine. I did not have a drain, so of course that made a difference. My main challenge at 1 week post-op was feeling fatigued faster than normal. I was able to put in full days but I was definitely needing to go to bed earlier than normal. I also was back to normal activities as far as going to classes, and my clinical rotations were concerned, so vacation is definitely something you could do as long as you take care of yourself, listen to your body, drink lots since you will be in a warmer climate and could dehydrate easily. GL with your decision and congrats on your upcoming surgery!

quints · July 31, 2011

CONGRATULATIONS! Surgery & Vacation... You'll be on a liquid diet, maybe some smoothies, yogurt, clear Soups, and lots and lots of Water. Try not to strain yourself, relax but sight see, take a walk in the evening when it's not so hot or sunny out, and enjoy your vacation!