Driving Question

Good Morning & ((((HUGS)))) to all !!, I think that this site is great. We needed a site like this to help us with different issues. I am pre-op and don't quite know how much I weight. We all know the scale issue But I am guessing about 470. I go see me surgen on Wednesday. Looking forward to that. I question I am going to ask is this: I have a small car and at 470 I have to squeeze out of it and it is a chore to do that. I have to life my belly to turn to get out, then wiggle my bottom back and forth to get closer to the edge, and then twist and squeeze out the rest of the way. I have to use all my strenth to stand upright. I know my Dr. told everyone at the seminar that we will not be able to drive for 3 to 4 weeks. But hence my problem with getting out of my car will I have to wait a longer time to drive?

I dont know about any one else but I was driving my 3rd day post-op I cant stand to ride with any one and I was my car and I am not the driving miss shelley type he said to wait a week but it did not hurt me to drive nor did it hurt I drive every day now and have for the last 2 weeks i even went to walmart the night I got out lol and drove the next day they would not let me drive home or I would have 2 hrs with some one else driveing I needed a nerve pill lol I am at 438 now and I have moved up a few clicks in the seat and dont have a time getting out but I do drive a SUV but I have a mustange that gives my knees hell getting out of

Charlotte, My understanding is that the driving restriction is based on a couple of things: Do you have a manual or automatic transmission? Are you on pain pills? (I wasn't after my surgery) I think that is what you need to think about! Good luck! I fit much better behind my wheel now and it feels great! Lori 384/323.5/170

Well, I wasn't allowed to drive for 2 weeks post-op (but didn't really need to, anyway), and once I started driving I was fine, but I didn't have to do what you do to get in and out. I will say, however, that one day during the second week, I had a function to go to, and first rode with a friend in her little low-slung sports car, and then we rode with another friend in a minivan, and I was really sore the next day from all the motions. The minivan in particular caused trouble because I'm short and really had to maneuvar up and in. I think only time will tell in your situation - remember, by 4 weeks out you'll have lost some weight and may have a little more "wiggle room." And a lot will depend on how well you're healing at that point. Good luck!

Charlotte, The only concern for my surgeon is you can't drive when you are on narcotics (that is the law in my state). He doesn't give any limitations for driving. I am about the same size as you. I started at a high of 499 and am now down to 463. I have never had trouble with my car (it isn't a compact... it is a Dodge Intrepid). I can't wear my seat belt but my tummy doesn't rub on the stearing wheel (thou I do know what you are talking about as I have driven other people's cars that just were too small for me to fit in comfortably. Good luck on your surgery Patti 3 days to go to my surgery date

I think it also depends on what type of surgery you have. If it's laparoscopic then you probably will be able to drive sooner. If it's open then I think it will take longer. They will probably cut some of your stomach muscles I think and it makes it harder to lift your leg back and forth between the brake and gas. I haven't had WLS yet, but when I had my hernia repaired, the doctor said I could drive as soon as I could jerk the knee on my driving leg up. I think if you can't jerk your leg around, then it will severely cut down on your reaction time if you get into a situation that requires quick action.

Charlotte i dont know about driving after surgery, i will have my mother to drive me around. But i know the feeling squeezeing into a car and back out. what a job i should get paid. I read you profile your psych eval was a nightmare what ever happened with that doctor i would haver reported him to the state medical board and medicaid. Best of luck with your surgery