Question:
DRIVING

How soon after gastric banding were you able to drive?    — Valaren (posted on May 21, 2008)

May 21, 2008
Doesn't take long, it is dependent on how you feel. You may not drive yourself home but some say they were driving within a few days...main thing to follow is 'no lifting over 30 pounds for something like 6 weeks, or maybe it was until your first check out. Lyn
   — SkinnyLynni2B

May 21, 2008
As long as you are don't driving with pain meds you'll do ok. It took me about a week after bi-pass.
   — MtSky

May 21, 2008
On a second day after I stop taking the pain meds (narcotics) I started driving. It was 6 days after surgery. But everybody is differnt. If you in pain, and OTC pain med don't help and you have to take strong pain meds - do not risk it. My doc said that the narcotics stay in your system 24 hrs after the last pill. (the residue) That is why I waited an extra day to make sure Tylenol will do the trick. Also, before you get into a car, make sure that you can handle siting up for a while.
   — H.A.L.A B.

May 21, 2008
I was driving two days after the Lap Band. I didn't take any meds because I didn't need them. I was too tired the day after surgery so I didn't drive but after that I did. I had it on 4-16-08 and I have been doing great since. Good Luck...
   — dyates2948

May 21, 2008
Different surgeons have different discharge instructions. The only limitation I was told was not to lift anything over 10# until my one week check up. I had LapBand and open hernia repair with a huge incision. Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

May 21, 2008
I was told not to drive for two weeks. Due to the pain medication I was taking. You should be completly off the pain meds before driving. But it all depends on your surgeon.
   — Rosa R.

May 21, 2008
Same here- about 3-4 days after- as long as youre not on pain meds and the seat belt isnt uncomfortable- Marlayna
   — MWiley

May 21, 2008
I was allowed to drive the day I got my staples out. but no lifting of anything over 30 lbs for a month
   — Danielle T.

May 21, 2008
In my particular case, my official discharge instructions were not until after my post-surgery exam and then my doctor would clear me to drive. Which was about a week.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 22, 2008
My doctor told me great words of wisdom regarding this. He said you can drive when you feel like you can press hard on the break and not hurt yourself.
   — S. Carroll

May 22, 2008
As soon as you feel well enough and are off all pain meds! Try a short trip first. I went to the grocery store at one week out and got very weak and thought I wouldn't make it home! Good luck! Lesleigh in Ga.
   — lesleigh07

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