How long before you can drive?

angelface · 04-11-2008, 11:30 PM

How long after surgery did you wait to drive?

hope2bhealthy · 04-11-2008, 11:40 PM

my doctors orders were not to drive for at least 2 days after i stopped my good narcotic loopy pain meds. i didn't stick to that because i still sometimes take them at night, but i was just careful not to drive anytime after i'd taken the meds. i think i drove first 3 days post op because i had to get some tylenol (so i wouldn't have to take the loopy pain meds) and gas x. you'll just have to see how you are feeling and how often you are taking loopy meds. i'm sure it's different for everyone.

AZnikki · 04-12-2008, 02:05 AM

Hope, you're lucky..my discharge papers said 2 weeks, but I had to start after about 10 days...couldn't do it anymore...my busy life just couldn't handle not driving!

jbperry21 · 04-12-2008, 02:37 AM

My release stuff just basically said don't mix driving with the pain meds. I actually didn't drive the first time until a week later. And I was uncomfortable driving at that point. Today at 11 days out, I was feeling more comfortable driving, though looking over my shoulder to the blind spot gave me a little twinge in the port incision. But I'm not as stiff now, so it's more comfortable to sit and use my arms to drive normally.

You've just got to do it at your own pace, in addition to your dr orders. Don't push yourself. No need to put yourself behind the wheel of a multi-ton vehicle and endanger yourself and others if you're not sure.

kossde · 04-12-2008, 05:35 AM

My doctor told me to drive whenever I wanted as long as I wasn't on pain meds. I was banded last Monday and began driving on Wednesday. Of course, I didn't drive very far and utilized my 17 year old sister whenever possible to tow me around, but I think as long as you aren't on the pain meds or anti-nausea meds and can comfortably drive, you should be ok.

jmcmillan159 · 04-12-2008, 07:46 AM

My surgeon asked me not to drive for 2 weeks after surgery.

Jean