Air Travel

[Karen B45 38]

I am having my surgery in Tijuana with Dr. Garcia on March 15th, and have to fly in to San Diego from Seattle, which is about a three hour flight. I am not at all worried about the flight there, but am of course worried about flying six days after I have major surgery. I am wondering what others who had to fly to have surgery did, if there were any issues or if you have any advice for me. My sister who had her sleeve done in December told me it would be fine as long as I had an aisle seat, and I am not sure why an aisle seat would be better....anyway, any advice/stories about how you did would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[jeweladdo 20]

I am planning to fly into TJ myself, haven't been sleeved yet. I think you will be fine because most people are walking around the next day. My doctor advises that on the airplane it is important to walk every 30-45 mins. I might change my date to mid-March w/ for Dr. Kelly so might cya!

[rahnava 30]

When I had my lapband (it's gone now). I went to Puerto Villarta and the flight wasn't bad. I took a pain pill and slept most of the way. I am having my surgery on Jan 30th with Dr. Garcia and I am flying to San Diego from Louisiana which is a long trip. Don't be afraid. I was paranoid about blood clots but everything seemed to be fine. I walked a lot in Mexico and plan on doing the same this time.

[Foxbins 625]

I flew from Mexicali to San Francisco 5 days after surgery. You want an aisle seat so that you can get up and walk during the flight without climbing over people. Get up every half hour or so on the flight and walk down the aisle and back. Don't cross your legs, and flex your toes and calves when you are sitting.

[clk 3,519]

I flew all the way from Germany to San Diego to have my surgery in Mexicali with Dr. Aceves. I had no problems whatsoever and I flew 13 hours.

Get up and walk whenever you can, and exercise your legs during the flight if you can't get up. Don't cross your legs when you fly. Drink as much Water as you can. And remember to bring a few packets of crystal light or easy to mix Protein powder if your flight will be over a mealtime.

I'm sure you won't have any issues, but discuss it with your surgeon if you have real concerns. Dr. Aceves and I decided that a second dose of Lovenox would be a good idea in my case, due to the extended flights and my concerns about DVT.

I'm sure you'll be just fine!

~Cheri

[Rootman 1,101]

I flew from the midwest to San Diego and back by myself. It's uncomfortable being heavy, just having an operation makes it somewhat worse but not impossible.

An isle seat is always welcome being overweight and will make it easier to slide into your seat and not put pressure on your abdomen post op too. Getting up will be easier and having to go potty mid flight will be easier too. If there is any way you can upgrade to first class coming back it will make you much more comfortable too, isle seat or not. I did on my way back and was very thankful for the extra room in the seat and for my legs.

[Kyle Varner 4]

I'm going to be flying from San Diego to Puerto Rico after my surgery in two weeks. I didn't get first class tickets, but I did get premium coach seats for the journey back, they are in an exit row and are window seats because that is what I like. I'm really hoping to be able to sleep throughout most of the flight. The advice to walk during the flight is very sound advice, because you are at an elevated risk for DVT post surgery.

[Karen B45 38]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I think I might invest in the first class ticket, at least that way I annoy less people when I am up and pacing the aisle!

[Karen B45 38]

I am planning to fly into TJ myself, haven't been sleeved yet. I think you will be fine because most people are walking around the next day. My doctor advises that on the airplane it is important to walk every 30-45 mins. I might change my date to mid-March w/ for Dr. Kelly so might cya! :smile1:

That would be cool. I am going to arrive 3/14, having surgery 3/15. I am excited/nervous/scared...would be great to have someone there going through the same experience! My sister is meeting me there, but not exactly the same...