Mary, I am wishing you a successful, complication-free surgery and a smooth, quick recovery. I had my open RNY on 12/10/01 and can honestly say that I have NO regrets other than not having done this several years sooner. It is, without a doubt, the best thing I could have done for myself. God bless you as you begin your healthy new life. As far as driving 9 hours 3 weeks post-op, I think if you get the rest you need in those three weeks and really take it easy, you should do fine. Just be sure to leave time for alot of stretch breaks, bring a good supply of bottled water and maybe some protein bars. Enjoy the graduation!