Traveling By Plane Post-Surgery

[greatestnameever 49]

I talked to my surgeon's office today and they said that, for every flight for the rest of my life, I have to go on a full liquid diet on the day of the flight until 2 hours after I land. I have to get a note from the doctor so I can bring Protein Shakes on the flight and everything. Does anyone have any insight on this? I wasn't given any info on this before the surgery (I'm 3 weeks post-op.)

[Croaker 26]

Never heard of it myself, not in all the reading I've done. Also, I'm flying out five weeks post op and my surgeon hasn't mentioned restrictions. He and I are friends and see each other several times a week, and we've discussed traveling several times. The only thing he's said is that it's good I'm going that week as the weight lifting restrictions would be lifted.

[JamieLogical 8,713]

I never heard of anything like this. And why would you need to bring a note to take Protein Shakes on the plane? Just pack the powder in your carry on and buy Water or milk to mix it with in the airport. That's what I did when I flew to/from San Diego to get sleeved in Mexico.

[sunflowerchild 146]

Never heard of this. I have flown post op with no problems. I would clarify and get a second medical opinion if necessary.

[Kindle 8,667]

That might be one of the craziest things I've ever heard! ???? I've taken 3 round trip flights in the 14 months since surgery with no such nonsense. I ate real, solid food before, during and after each flight.

Edited February 19, 2015 by Kindle

[efierke 60]

I flew, with my surgeon's blessing, 2 weeks after surgery (short flight to see my family). He had no problem with me flying and simply reminded me to follow my weight restrictions. I could see there being issues if you were flying in something unpressurized, but that's not most people. Probably wouldn't get on a plane right after eating / with a full stomach, but that's more just because you and your stomach are still getting to know one another again.

[aSleeveStory 128]

It's weird things like this that scare me about some surgeons. This is total nonsense, unless there is something else about you medically that would require such a thing -- but then again that would have most likely been a condition prior to your VSG surgery, not something caused BY the VSG surgery.

I had a flight just 3 weeks post-op, and have taken many more since then. I travel for work a LOT and not once has anyone, let alone any of my doctors, ever mentioned that my diet would need to change on the day of a flight.

I'd definitely get a second opinion on that -- and/or at the very least ask your doc to explain why on Earth he said this in the first place.

[GEAUX SAINTS 143]

@@greatestnameever - My son is three years out and flies at least 6 times a year. His surgeon is the same as mine & hasn't said a thing! Sounds kinda funny to me!

[heftyhoosier 30]

I am current two weeks post surgery and I am starting a heavy travel schedule for work in another two weeks. My surgeon has no issues with it - he just said to wear compression socks and get up and walk around every once in a while.

[Midtown girl 44]

I flew from San Diego to Toronto (on a red eye!) 2 days post op. Many people get sleeved in Mexico and have 5-6 hour long flights ahead of them shortly after surgery. I have certainly not heard anything like this before, and unless you have some other medical issues, flying with sleeve should not be any problem.

[JamieLogical 8,713]

I flew from San Diego to Toronto (on a red eye!) 2 days post op. Many people get sleeved in Mexico and have 5-6 hour long flights ahead of them shortly after surgery. I have certainly not heard anything like this before, and unless you have some other medical issues, flying with sleeve should not be any problem.

I did the same, but of course 2 days post op, we are ALL on liquid diets. So technically adhering to the guidelines the OP's surgeon suggested.

[greatestnameever 49]

OK, clearly I need to get a second opinion! I thought that seemed fishy. Thanks, guys!

[Kimnickless08 16]

I never heard of this either..

[Kimnickless08 16]

Maybe try not to eat right before I case your uncomfortable idk but I never heard about doing this before a flight..