Travel concerns

a_new_me · 06-06-2007, 02:48 PM

:help:I am trying to schedule my LAP-BAND^® surgery around some international travel I have for work. Two questions I need help with:
1) are there any side effects from high altitude flying and LAP-BAND^®?
2) how long should I wait after surgery to travel for work?

any insight is greatly appreciated! I want to have the surgery ASAP but am also starting a new job that has a few trips out of the country this summer.

tanzycoffeelady · 06-06-2007, 04:11 PM

Hello New You ! I'm not sure but I do recall Dr. Mumford telling me during my phone consult that I could fly home 2-3 days after my surgery and to make sure I didnt just sit during the entire flight (2 planes, totalling 5 hours flying time) He said to make sure I get up and walk or stand and when I was sitting I should keep my feet moving - he said this will help with reducing the gas pains and also in preventing blood clots.

Maybe call and talk with the patient care coordinator or your Doctor for more info.

- Best of Luck - Corinna

liberattor · 06-06-2007, 05:05 PM

Hi
I had trouble the last leg of the trip. My ankles were badly swollen and my big belly hurt so much I could hardly sit still. Maybe it is easier if you are younger.

TallgirlTX · 06-08-2007, 12:46 PM

Hiya,
I was banded on March 30th and I have taken several trips to Europe since then. I do notice that I am a bit tighter in air and so I take it really slow with food and liquids. Spending extended time in an airplane bathroom is not on my trip itinerary. Just take it slow and you will do fine. As to how long after surgery, you should ask you doctor. Make sure you tell him it is international and not a quick flight.

Good luck and Happy Travels

Self pay 3.30.07
The Man, The Myth, The Legend... Dr Spivak
310/276/210

cyndilou29 · 06-08-2007, 07:21 PM

I was banded 2 weeks ago and I've been on a trip already. I didn't have any issues. The only problem is finding food that I can eat. I brought my protein shake stuff with me but eating out is a chore when you are on liquids. If you can wait, it would be better. It's always better to be healed before you travel like that. If not, you won't have too much trouble with the band itself, I wouldn't think. I felt tighter while flying too for some reason!

AliceJ · 06-11-2007, 09:19 AM

Hi Tallgirltx - one week till my surgery....thank you for the information you ladies offered after the meeting the last week. Any suggestions on what I should bring with me to Houston? Can't wait!!!