Will I feel well enough to fly 2 days after surgery?

choldren · August 19, 2005

I'm going to have lap band surgery Aug. 24 and then scheduled to fly home on the 26th. The thing is, I'm flying from San Diego across country to VA, will I be unbearablly uncomfortable sitting for so long or should I reschedule my flight a day later? I've heard so many of you talk about the gas pains in the stomach and shoulders. I tried to get first class seats so I would have more room to stretch but all were sold out. Has anyone else done this? Any input would be great! Thanks.

Carolyn

alatina · August 19, 2005

I was perfectly fine-we flew from San Diego to Houston-you should most likely be fine

oh and I flew out that next day after surgery.

the best me · August 19, 2005

Me too. I had the surgery on Friday in TJ, checked out of the hospital on Saturday morning and went straight to the airport in San Diego. I flew home to Charlotte, NC and with the time change, arrived around 9:30pm, I think?

Flying was fine. I'm glad my sister was with me since the day is a bit of a blur. I'm guessing the anesthesia and pain meds were still in me a bit and that actually helped. I was definately more uncomfortable on Sunday and was glad I was already home, not traveling.

Take a flat pillow or folded thin blanket to rest over your belly. It protects and provides support. Make sure you get a pain med down before you go. I avoided taking one on the plane since I wasn't sure how it would go down (it was a small pill and went down fine at home but I didn't want to risk it away from home). The shoulder pain didn't settle in until I was home, so no problem there. I did chew a few Gas-X on the way home, and sipped Water. It was fine but a traveling companion was the biggest help! Do you have one? I bought my sister's plane ticket and it was worth the extra money to have her there. She was great.

Who's your doc? Congrats on your band date!

loopylou · August 19, 2005

I had a bit of trouble coming home. But it was a week after surgery for me so perhaps the gas had 'settled in' more. I felt uncomfortable - but not exactly in pain. I would advise Gas medication as I think the cabin pressure makes it worse. And if at all possible have someone with you.

PamRN · August 19, 2005

I had surgery on tuesday, and flew from Tijuana to Illinois with a stop over in Houston, the long trek clear across the airport going right from one plane to the next was tough, but hell it would have hurt presurgery... I was still overweight, it was a long fast walk! I also paid for my mother's ticket so she could go with me, it was definitely worth it to have a travel companion. I took a memory foam neck support pillow on the planes, I splinted with it when I needed to, and it was nice to rest on when I didn't. I stayed an extra day to make sure all was well, and to get in some shopping. I seemed a waste to go that far and not have at least one day to have a look around.

Definitely take a companion if it's at all possible.

shirley rohr · August 19, 2005

The only thing I was told is to move your legs around so you are less likely to get blood clots in your legs. But everyone is suppose to do that. I did stand up once and awhile, it helped to move. You will be fine...

beautifultina · August 19, 2005

two days post op i was riding in my car and attended my local support group meeting. it is an individual thing. you may not feel like flying in a cramped airplane seat for X number of hours, and then again you might..if you are that concerned see if you can post pone your return flight for 4 days after surgery or what ever makes you feel most comfortable. Best of luck with your up comming surgery. Know that we are all rooting for you!

RTWISDALE · August 19, 2005

Well I had my surgury done on Saturday morning an had to fly out this Monday. It was really hard. I read what others are telling you and I think you need to give yours an extra day. And for sure take someone with you. Most of the nurses speak very little engish and you are in no shape to try to get them to understand what you want. I am still very sore, but back to work for partial days.

Dr Juan Lopez Corvala

Obesity Control Clinic

northerner · August 20, 2005

i had a lengthy flight just 2 days after surgery, and all went well. move gently, and handle your luggage very carefully; leave it to others if possible. i'd suggest asking for an aisle seat, near the back of the plane, for the ease of standing when you'd like during the flight. (though not the furthest back row, because those seats do not recline.) i thought that arriving at home somehow meant that i could jump back into my regular schedule, but i now think that being gentle with yourself for a day or two thereafter, too, is important; seems it takes some time to adjust back from the stresses of travel.

best wishes and safe travels, whatever your decision!

princess_n_thep · August 20, 2005

I had a wheelchair escort through the airport and I was fine on the way home. It was a little embarrassing being escorted through because my mom (before GBypass) always had to have a wheelchair because she was too fat to walk. So that is where my embarrassment comes from I guess.

I was glad I did the wheelchair though. Less wait time, no stress, no problems!

EBruce · August 21, 2005

I flew home two days after my surgery from San Diago to Florida with a layover in Atlanta. It was slightly uncomfy on the plane but nothing too bad. If I had to do over, I would have splurged for the 1st class seat. Good luck!!

Barb · August 22, 2005

I had surgery on Thursday afternoon and flew out on Saturday morning. Had to fly on American Eagle so it was the smaller Regional Jets but didn't have any problems. MY DH was with me so I didn't ever have to handle any luggage or anything. Clearing customs and changing termianls at DFW was a little tiring so I had to take a nap when I got home.