Driving post surgery

I just saw a post that mentioned not being able to drive for a period of time after surgery.  How long of a period is that? 

Unless you have complications, you should be able to drive as soon as you're not taking pain meds.

My surgeon didn't give a specific time. His only instruction was to wait until we had stopped taking the pain medication (it makes you drowsy).

Oh and you may have a problem with the seatbelt being across your belly for a while after surgery due to the laproscopic sites. Just place a small pillow across your belly first before fastening your seatbelt.

I had VSG on a Monday afternoon, home Wednesday, drove and went to the gym to walk on Friday, and back to my desk job the following Monday. But I had no complications at all.

Depends on if your sleeve is open or lap? stitches, etc.? I had open but my stitches were out and I drove around 12 days out. Not sure if I was suppose to. lol

After at least 24 hours of no narcotic pain medication.

Jufy

The main thing you need to worry about with driving (besides the drugs) is the possibility of an accident.  Normally, when you're driving around and coming to a gradual stop at stop signs, etc., you're just fine.  If a car comes to an abrupt stop in front of you and you need to slam on the brakes, you can do yourself some real damage, regardless of whether you had an open procedure or laparoscopic.  We're talking about your innards here -- for an RNY and espcially a DS, you've had a delicate rearrangement of your guts.  While they are sutured together, it's going to take a while for all of that to heal.  Throw a nice snug seat belt on top of an abrupt stop and perhaps a deployed airbag, and you could have a recipe for disaster.  If you don't have to drive for a couple of weeks after surgery, you should avoid it.  If you have to, be very careful.

I was allowed to drive after my 1 week appointment. I was off pain meds by that time.

I was told not to drive till Im off pain meds. I drove today. 1 week after surgery. No biggie.

Depends.  I'm not driving until my mom says it ok.  ;)  She's really kinda cracked the whip on me.  It's probably a good thing, I'd probably be up and doing stuff I shouldnt be too soon.