Question:
I know you can return to normal activities post-op but what about scuba diving?
I'm a certified scuba diver who's waiting for insurance approval for the surgery. This may be a silly question but I'm going to ask anyway.....has anyone been diving since having the surgery? I was wondering if the water pressure would have any affect on the RNY. I've heard that you can return to all normal activites. (P.S. This website is a God-send!!!! Thanks to everyone!) — S J. (posted on June 16, 1999)
June 16, 1999
I'm not a doctor, but, I would think as soon as your doctor feels you're
healed sufficiently, that you're good to go on the diving. God, I'd just
like to learn how to SWIM :) I've always wanted to dive too, but, I have
this MAJOR fear of swimming for some unbenounced reason, and I grew up in
South FL which is even more funny! Practically lived at the beach! Good
Luck!!! :)
— Sherrie G.
June 16, 1999
It doesnt sound weird at all! I had the same fear...we just returned from
our first dive trip we have taken since my surgery!!!! everything was
great! I didn't dive deeper than 50 feet the first 2 dives..just in
case...I would have DIED if I wasn't able to dive <only a diver can
understand that!! LOL>
— Deanna D.
June 16, 1999
Your question is interesting.....after the recovery from surgery, ~ 2
weeks, you should have lost the extra gas in your abdominal cavity and
returned to a state that scuba would work...This answer is also for
patients in general but you should consult your surgeon. In addition, your
incision should be fine after two weeks.
— Chris S.
August 5, 1999
I'm posting this long after you asked. Nevertheless here goes.
I'm a scuba dive master and assistant instructor. The
tissue as it is healing may absorb nitrogen and "gas off"
(release nitrogen) at a different rate than other tissue in
the body. THerefore you would want to wait (we used to tell
people 6 weeks minimum) before diving and keep your bottom time
on the conservative side of the dive tables. I'll be diving
again soon...good divers are always careful. Jane S
— JaneSpencer
April 13, 2003
I too had the same worries, my doctor told me that I should be good to go
into the water 6 weeks from surgery date, and you can be assured im
counting the days to the exact. I cant wait to get back in the water. And
maybe not have to wear so much weight to get down, what a plus....
— Sue C.
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