Travel so soon after surgery?

[Kristi Jacobs 6]

I've always understood it's not very safe to fly so close after major surgery. Risk of pulmonary embolism and blood clots. It sounds like your on your way home after about 4 or 5 days after surgery. How safe is that considered?

[Véronique 238]

I know when I had surgery in Bangkok, Thailand, they wanted me to remain in Thailand for roughly 22 days. I've been talking with a cosmetic surgeon in Chicago and he wants me to remain in the Chicago area for 10 days or so after that series of surgeries. So, it depends on the surgery. One thing I do know, though, is that my surgeon really wants to see anyone who has surgery with him for follow up appointments at two weeks out (my follow-up appointment will be on September 11th and will be the day I know whether or not I can move off the liquid diet to a soft food diet), six weeks out, three months out, six months out, (maybe) nine months out, one year out, and annually after that.

Knowing this, I turned down an invitation for a hiring event with Amazon, where they would pay for hotel and airfare to truck me out to Seattle to interview for programming jobs. But do be very mindful of this.

Edited August 25, 2017 by Véronique

[heycrystal2052 430]

My Dr. put me on a blood thinner for 30 days after the surgery, will you not have that? I'm getting a breast lift and reduction, I had planned to travel a week after (by plane to Atlanta), but I was told I'll need to wait for two. I'm sure, your window may be that. My guess would be, that's way too soon. Not alone, if you're flying, your body will not be your best friend. About 7 days out, I tried to do a bit of grocery shopping and failed miserably and actually, had to leave the store and go home.

[DropWt4Life 957]

I traveled by plane from San Diego to San Antonio, TX. 3 days after surgery. My doctor okay-ed it, and I was fine. All of my surgery buddies did the same. There are tons of people that travel abroad for Medical Tourism every year. While there is always a risk of developing blood clots or deep vein thrombosis, the risk can be lowered by staying hydrated and moving about.

Easier said than done while you are on a plane. I kept drinking fluids, which caused me to go to the bathroom twice during my 2 1/2 hour flight. TMI, I know.

Anyway, it was a risk that I was willing to take since many doctors recommend not traveling for up to 4 weeks after surgery, especially if the surgery is below the waist. I wasn't about to take an extended vacay in Mexico, although my trip was a lot of fun.

[Shariberry 28]

13 hours ago, Kristi Jacobs said:

I've always understood it's not very safe to fly so close after major surgery. Risk of pulmonary embolism and blood clots. It sounds like your on your way home after about 4 or 5 days after surgery. How safe is that considered?

My doctors started me on blood thinners prior to the flight for this very reason, and now that I am home, have to continue them for about a week.

[Christine from Chicago 4]

12 hours ago, Véronique said:

I know when I had surgery in Bangkok, Thailand, they wanted me to remain in Thailand for roughly 22 days. I've been talking with a cosmetic surgeon in Chicago and he wants me to remain in the Chicago area for 10 days or so after that series of surgeries. So, it depends on the surgery. One thing I do know, though, is that my surgeon really wants to see anyone who has surgery with him for follow up appointments at two weeks out (my follow-up appointment will be on September 11th and will be the day I know whether or not I can move off the liquid diet to a soft food diet), six weeks out, three months out, six months out, (maybe) nine months out, one year out, and annually after that.

Knowing this, I turned down an invitation for a hiring event with Amazon, where they would pay for hotel and airfare to truck me out to Seattle to interview for programming jobs. But do be very mindful of this.

Do you mind sharing the name of the cosmetic surgeon in Chicago?

[Véronique 238]

Do you mind sharing the name of the cosmetic surgeon in Chicago?

Dr. Zukowski in Wilmette, Illinois.

[kem91 38]

I had to get back about 5 days after surgery for a mandatory orientation training. Originally I was going to fly, but my parents were able to drive me. The surgeon really just wanted me up and walking or tapping my toes to keep the blood flowing and prevent a clot, especially since I take birth control. Having a pillow to support my incisions and still healing tummy was very helpful, as well as getting out and walking frequently.