Question:
How long should I wait to travel after RNY?

If all goes as planned I should be having my surgery (RNY) around mid May. I have a wedding to attend out of town mid June. Can anyone elaborate on what issues I might still be experiencing 1 month after surgery?    — jloney (posted on April 8, 2008)

April 8, 2008
Everyone is so different. My sister & I had RNY together, the following month, she went to Tennessee with her family... I on the other hand, got weaker and weaker and ended up having open heart surgery (pre-existing condition)..3 months later. Play it by ear and as always, consult with your Dr. Good Luck!
   — 502Laxi

April 8, 2008
Like the answer before me, everyone is different but when I was 4 weeks out I had to travel to my husbands 8th grade Nun's 75th jubilee as a Nun 3 hours away. This worked for me. I brought a very comfy pillow, i wore loose fitting clothing. I took my pain medicine and then I brought my survival kit: nausea medicine, pain medicine, cheese and crackers, cheese sticks, a can of mandarin oranges, peanut butter and dip sticks and cottage and peaches in a cooler. I also stopped 1/2 way there to stretch my legs. I did just fine, so good luck to you! Lori in Michigan
   — reretheplaylady

April 8, 2008
Check with your dr. I was feeling fine but was told I was unable to go on my vacation because the flight was too long and I was too high risk for blood clots. Best of luck on your surgery! So far its been a really good decision for me!! Rachel
   — zoeyriv

April 8, 2008
I had my surgery in Puerta Vallarta and flew 5 hours, with layovers, on the 8th day after surgery. I was tired but fine. I flew to my mother's in Florida and then flew home at 20 days after surgery and felt wonderful. Actually I never took a pain pill at all. At 1 month you should be fine - but as everyone pointed out complictions could slow you down. You might want to wait to buy your outfit as you'll likely be 30lbs down by then. :-)
   — jannmyers

April 8, 2008
I think it all depends on how you're feeling. With no complications then you should be fine. You'll be able to eat solids again by then so you can eat what other people are eating but in very limited amounts. Just bring your vitamins and protein shakes or protein liquid to help you get all your protein in. You should be fine.
   — cjjordan

April 8, 2008
I started at week to after RNY WLS working out lightly in the gym. I was able to walk about 20 Minutes on the tred mill at that time after two weeks about 2.5 Miles per hour or a little less than 1 mile. I went on a trip to a party 3 weeks following the WLS. Along the way, everyone just wanted fast food, and I packed a cooler with the liquid meals I could eat. At that time, I still had to puree everything. I should have been on soft foods at 4 weeks, but I wasn't until 6 weeks. Just me and my system. I would plan toptake a small cooler with what you eat. About all you are going to be able to order is cottage cheese and it will not be fat free and maybe a broth soup. Stay away from cream soups as they will make many of us sick. Too much cream and fat. At the wedding reception, just tell the waiter you want water in a cocktale glass, and keep it coming. Don't try the cake, or a plate of food. Just eat from your spouse's plate, and let your host know you need a seat, but will not be eating, so don't spend the money on a meal for you. They will appreciate it as will the serving staff. I have to do this all the time because we attend a lot of parties, 2-3 a week. I don't think I will ever return to drinking after I see my frends and business associated overloaded, way too often now. Water is still my drink of choice, and I am proud of it. Best of success to you.
   — William (Bill) wmil

April 8, 2008
Two weeks after my WLS I traveled by auto from Nebraska to the west coast where my husband and I took a cruise to Alaska. I was eating regular food by then and just ate small amounts, chewed everthing well and drank lots of water. No problems.
   — hotgrandma

April 9, 2008
Hi Judy. When I had surgery 4 years ago I did the same thing. I had an event to go to a month later. We drove, and I went and it was fine. If you have no complications, you should be fine, but back yourself up by knowing where the nearest wls hospital in the area is in case you need to be seen. Be sure your surgeon knows you are going away and don't be a fool with your diet and you will be just hunkey dorey (barring you have no initial complications). I was tired while I travelled, but did fine. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

April 10, 2008
My Dr. told me that I could not fly at least 1 month after surgery. But long car rides are okay you may just have to get out and stretch more often because of blood clots.
   — redlilies

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