Recovery Time

[KarenG. 0]

I am hoping to get a surgery date for late July/early August. I need to go to Europe for one week in late August/Early September. Do you think that I will be recovered enough by then? Do you think that I should hold off until after I return home in September? How long did it take before you felt good enough that you would consider a transatlantic flight?

Thanks in advance for you input!

[josephine 1]

Karen,

Of course everyone is different. I was able to go to work on Monday after having my surgery on Thursday. I could have taken one more day.

In flight people do complain about tighness they feel when the plane is up in the air and that is actually the truth. I felt a full feeling when I was up in the air.

Also, the only thing that I believe that should be hurting you is your port area and that should hurt you for some time. I would even say almost up to and including 6 weeks post op. Scar tissue is forming around that area and the movement is what causes most of the pain. You can be tearing some of the scar tissue but that is okay.

You really should be good to go. I don't think you should have any worries. Just don't forget that some people heal differently than others.

Good Luck on your new journey.

Josephine

[Mom2Sassy 0]

I was walking around SeaWorld on Friday and got my band on Wednesday. I flew home to Oregon from Mexico on Sunday and went to work on Tuesday.

The pain in my shoulder from the gas was the worst and lasted about 2-3 weeks. There was also discomfort from the port. Sitting for a long time was uncomfortable for about a month. After that things were fine.

Everyone is different, but for IMO I think you will be fine. You could always take a mild pain killer before the flight if you crush it up.....

[KarenG. 0]

thanks so much for your responses. Still trying to figure out the best way to go. concerned about cramming into coach seat for the entire flight if not "neccessary" I mean I waited 33 years already! Also concerned about finding mushy enough food while traveling - seems like I could be setting myself up for some problems really early in this experience.

[faithmd 14]

I would really try to plan for surgery in Late July and then Europe early in September, here's why:

a)that should give you about six weeks for recovery time

b)you should be on "real" food by then

c)you'll be farther post-op and hopefully diminsh your likelihood to develop a DVT on such a long flight

d)you'll have lost a bit of weight and be more comfy flying

I also would probably hold off on a fill until after your trip to Europe. Though it will be your first fill and very rarely do folks get their "sweet spot" in terms of restriction with their first fill so waiting is debatable. I personally would hold off on my first fill if I were in your shoes for a couple of reasons.

1)I have also heard that some folks get a feeling of fullness when flying, and your flight will be a long one.

2)If it were me and my bad luck, I'd get my restriction (sometimes it takes days or a couple of weeks for the restricted feeling to come after a fill) in Europe and have to find an ER for an emergency defill (rare, but with my luck...)

3)food in Europe...need I say more?

4)depending on how soon between your fill and your flight, you mught be on liquids or mushies for the first couple days of your trip (based on what your doctor's guidelines are for diet post-fill).

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

Faith...

Sheesh! Do you realize you are 25% to your goal???? Congrats!!

[Marimaru 7]

I agree 100% with what Faith said :eek:

[faithmd 14]

Faith...

Sheesh! Do you realize you are 25% to your goal???? Congrats!!

No sh*t, whoa! And I just got my band... :whoo::whoo::whoo:

Watch out world! I don't care how long this takes me, as long as I'm still a loser, I'm happy :eek: :clap2:

Marimaru (you gorgeous bride, you), could you tell I really gave my answer a lot of thought? :cry