Question:
Holiday traveling
It's my sister-in-laws turn to host Thanksgiving 6 hours away by auto. I'm scheduled for open RNY on November 14th. OK to be a passenger by then? I don't want to look like a wuss backing out--and my husband has already agreed to take the kids so I can get concentrated sleep and rest while they're gone overnite. I really am dreading this -- not only the ride--but all the mayhem and the unfamiliar hotel overnite etc.. I just think it's really gonna push my buttons at this time--and I know, I know I'm not even the one hosting the darn meal!!! Input please...... — Wannabe A. (posted on October 26, 2002)
October 26, 2002
That is 14 days post op. Are you having lap or open? I went back to work
14 days post op, but I did get tired easy and I was still a little sore. I
had the lap.
— Linda A.
October 26, 2002
I was 2 1/2 weeks post-op last year at Thanksgiving. I did travel 7 hours
as a passenger, and did fine. You will have to get out, walk around so
that you don't get sore. I had also packed a little cooler filled with
things that I could eat, like yogurt. While staying with family, they
understood that I needed my down time and I still got my rest. It turned
out great! It is definitely better to be recovering at home, by by that
point you will probably have cabin fever and be ready to get out of the
house. Happy holidays!
— Cheri M.
October 26, 2002
I was a long-ride passenger the week after surgery and was back at work in
2 1/2 with no problems. If I were you, I would plan to go but see how you
feel on departure day, you can always change your mind!
— jen41766
October 26, 2002
I made an 8 hour car trip two weeks to the day of my surgery to attend a
funeral out of state. The trip was very hard on me. Sitting in the car
made my VERY sore, even after stopping each hour to walk around and riding
no more than 4 hours each day. I think the combination of riding in the
car and sleeping in strange beds is what did it. I had been off of my pain
meds since my 4th day post-op, but had to call my MD when I returned home
for more. Take it easy on yourself and let your own body be your guide.
Best of luck - C.
— Carmen S.
October 26, 2002
I dont think you will be up for the ride, or the hotel stay. Its bad
enough you cant get comfortable at your own home. I think if your husband
is willing to take the children and go, so you can rest that is in your
best intrest. Of course this is my opinion only. No matter what you
decide enjoy the holidays.
— Schatzie1
October 26, 2002
I had open as well and the hospital is five hours from my home...so I did a
loong car trip three days after surgery. It was miserable! I survived it,
but was exhausted afterwards. They told me to get out and walk about every
hour to 90 minutes to keep the blood flowing (to avoid clotting). I found
the getting in and out of the car over and over was tiresome, let alone the
walk (and yours will be in the cold!). IF you decide to do this I would
highly suggest that you rent a recliner for your motel room so you have a
comfy place to sleep, because if you're like most open's a bed - let alone
a strange bed - is the LAST place you're going to find rest! Personally, I
would skip this year :>) Good luck!
— [Deactivated Member]
October 26, 2002
I went on an 8 hour car ride from Wisconsin to Missouri the second weekend
I was out of the hospital. Had Lap RNY on October 8 and this was like the
weekend of the 19th. I packed my own food, made my brother stop every now
and again to get gas and so on so I could stretch my legs and I even drove
a bit. It will depend on how you are feeling so take each day as it
comes... I have not had any pain medication since the night before I left
the hospital and any pain I have had has been because I did something to
cause it ( eating/ drinking too fast). Listen to your body it will tell you
wether you are ready or not.
— Laurie F.
October 26, 2002
I would go and enjoy myself. There are a few things to rember. Bring all
the food that you will eat for the duration. I know this sounds strange,
but, your relitives don't know what you need or tolarate. Drink ALL your
water. DON'T do any work like carring a bag or doing dishes. Let people
wait on you hand and foot. Rest and relax when you get there. Take a siesta
in the afternoon. Follow these rules and you will be fine. Good Lux
— Robert L.
October 26, 2002
You know I just don't think that I would. I am 5 weeks out so this thing
is still pretty fresh in my head and I don't think that I could have
traveled that far for nothing. I mean if your seats recline well and you
can stretch your legs out that might make it better but you are still a
little uncomfortable at that point. I would not call it pain but just kind
of a cranky uncomfortable. You would totally have to walk about 1 time an
hour. That is a big decision and as frustrated as I am with my kids right
now I would totally opt for some alone time but all kidding aside good luck
and maybe you should wait to real close to the time to make the decision
and let your family know that it just all depends.
Good Luck!!! You'll be in my prayers as you come on over to the post op
side. : )
Peggy open rny 9/20 -40ish #'s
— Peggy A.
October 27, 2002
hi not sure what your age is but i am 55 and when i came home from the
hosiptal i could hardly move for two weeks if i was you i would stay home
where you would be comfortable and if you could get someone to stay with
you that would be excellent. pleaase think of yourself at this time god be
withyou rosemary
— ROSEMARY A.
October 27, 2002
No offence to those who've encouraged you to go, but I've looked at most of
their profiles, and they are almost all lap. You are having an open.
Those who've been discouraging about your attempting this have almost all
been open as well. Just some food for thought!
— [Deactivated Member]
October 27, 2002
I had LAP in September. I know that at my 2 week visit to the doctor about
45 minutes away, I was uncomfortable. Not being able to move freely and get
into a comfortable position for 6 hours, and then again the next day---NO
WAY!
I love my family, and the holidays, but this one is going to have to be for
you. Let your husband take the kids, IF you want them to go and leave you
alone for the day. If you are feeling lonely, and after surgery you may,
then have him cook a small turkey or chicken and celebrate Thanksgiving
with your little family. Your sister and the rest of the family will need
to understand and there is always Christmas! I wish you luck.
— wiggie34
October 27, 2002
I vote with the people suggesting you not go. My reasoning is more
practical. Aside from the fact that you will still be very recently out of
surgery and are likely to have at least some physical discomfort, it sounds
like you're also having emotional trepidation about going and that is as
important as your physical health. Putting yourself in a stressful
situation 2 weeks post op is not in your own best interest. Stay home and
have a nice, relaxing day with no worries.
— Arlene S.
October 27, 2002
I vote stay home. Last year I had surgery 4 days before Christmas-I had to
take to my bed occasinally - the company was tiring and I felt badly
because I was not very active and probably slowed down the Christmas spirit
for others.
Take care of yourself - especially the first 6 weeks when a lot of healing
etc is going on.
— charlene M.
October 27, 2002
You are going to still be feeling like crap at that point physically,
believe me. And you won't feel like handling the emotional stress that
Thanksgiving brings, either. Take your hubby up on his offer and spend
the time in bed resting up and getting healthy...JR (open RNY 07/17 -96
pounds)
— John Rushton
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