Any post-op travel precautions or lessons learned?

[BryanInStPete 18]

My surgery is in four weeks and I am wondering if there are any business travelers like me that have gone through surgery? Curious to know how soon after surgery did you feel comfortable taking a business trip? I average 2 - 4 business trips a month, usually gone for 2 to 3 days at time.

I plan to take a week off work and my first post-op trip is planned for 5 weeks after surgery. My Doc said that shouldn't be a problem but I am a little concerned about not being able to eat and drink the way I should while traveling. How soon after surgery have any of you traveled and what lessons do you have to share with me?

[slsgeek 10]

I traveled two weeks after my surgery and was gone for 5 days. I took my large suitcase and packed prepackaged liquid Protein Shakes and a small soft sided cooler. When I got to my hotel I filled the cooler with shakes and ice so I always had something on hand. The toughest parts were the flights because I was flying cross country and was still on liquids. You will be fine, but buy some G2 or Poweraide zero at the airport to sip on the plane. When I had to eat out with customers I got Soups. You may be on soft foods by then so order carefully and make sure you get your Protein in.

[slvarltx 332]

I travel extensively for work and my first air trip was exactly 3 weeks after surgery. I made sure I checked my bags rather than lift them over my head for 2 weeks more. I bought a Water everytime after I went through security so I could stay hydrated. I packed my shaker and plenty of Protein powder individual pouches from powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury so I made sure I had my Protein. Other than that, no real adjustments made. I have dropped 70+ lbs since May, so I enjoy fitting easily into the seats. I have had a couple of attendants ask me to tighten my seat belt (before I could barely get the damn thing buckled).

I have had to pass on the free booze when I get upgraded

[BryanInStPete 18]

Thanks for the feedback. I too am often frequently upgraded and I am going to miss my Snacks, drinks, and sometimes meals that go along with the upgrade.

For my first trip I decided to not stay at the typical higher end hotels my firm puts me up in but looked for one with a small kitchenette/microwave/frig so I can prepare my shakes and soft-food vs. relying on room service.

I have thought about the fact that my expense report will be smaller on trips now since I won't be eating out as much. Too bad I don't get a travel per diem otherwise I would be making some extra pocket money on these trips! :-)

Curious if you have had any troubles with TSA if you take a small amount of Protein powder in your carry-on?

[slsgeek 10]

Never had any issues, but I did put mine in snack size ziplock bags so they could be seen easily. I take about 3 servings on every flight (because I get delayed a lot and want to be over prepared). I tended to pack readymade shakes in my bag, as mentioned above, because I could stick them in a small cooler or hotel fridge. Sometimes the hotel fridges didn't get them cold enough for me. Luckily, every hotel has an ice machine I buy Premier Protein shakes from costco. Another member of this board told me that Walgreens sells them in many areas. Now I don't have to pack them, I just find a Walgreens and pick them up. If I can't find a Walgreens, then I find the nearest drug or grocery store and get a good alternative. I travel almost every week and I am in the same hotel 2-4 nights. Please get a small lunchbox sized cooler you can put several bottles of Water, G2 etc. in. It has been a life saver for me.

[slvarltx 332]

I am an American airlines guy. They usually have one meal that has some good Protein content, i.e. salmon and the snack tray has the nuts. I did have a vodka and soda at the 3 month mark...it was really nice and I didn't become some raving drunk.