Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 , Great question(s) and lucid thoughts/logic! To preface I DO NOT KNOW the actual reasons behind no traveling but here's my guess. Keep in mind I had laparoscopic RNY. I was told not to drive for two weeks. I believe that was because I had been prescribed liquid Vicodin which I did take an average amount of the first two or three days after surgery. It had the effect of making me pass out and sleep which was good for those first few days sometimes. After that I didn't need it so I stopped taking it as I don't feel comfortable being artificially induced to sleep or be comfortable. It may have been 7 days but at the most it was 10 days after surgery and I was driving myself around town, picking up my kids from school, etc. I was well off the medicine, felt fine, and was simply bored out of my freaking skull. I ended up going back to work two weeks after surgery. As far as not feeling like traveling I would certainly have been willing to travel ANYWHERE after two weeks. Did I mention how boring sitting at home was with all the energy I had? I've heard in this forum and from other non-medical folks that one reason driving/traveling is frowned upon is possible irritation to the incisions or your stomach from a sudden stop, accident, etc. and yet I was driven home from the hospital. Granted my drive home was a whole 4 miles but I know others that had to ride home over 100 miles. Maybe it's " unnecessary " travel? Personally I would think after two weeks you MIGHT be fine for the trip. I've traveled to Texas from Michigan often and taking three days to do it is pretty light. You might want to think about stopping frequently to take bathroom breaks and go for short walks. But do certainly take the advice of your doctor. Really you could just wait until January. Waiting a month for a life time of change(s) isn't such a serious issue in the long run. I put mine off. I was approved at the beginning of November 2005 and didn't get mine until Jan 20, 2006 for financial reasons (saved $300). One way to put your mind at ease with the insurance company is to GET IT IN WRITING that you're fully approved, ready to go and the date everything is set for. It's tough to back out from that. Good luck with your decisions, trip and have congratulations on your pending approval! > > My last insurance required PCP visit is tomorrow. There is a small > question as to whether the insurance company will make me wait until > January. If not, I was tentatively given the option of a December 4th > surgery date. I want it as soon as possible, but that is the earliest > available. > > The problem is that I typically drive with a friend from Michigan to > Texas around December 21. We do the drive over 3 days and stay with > his family in Arkansas for a day or two on the way. The surgeons don't > typically allow travel for at least a month after surgery. I would > like to know the specific reasons, but every time I ask questions of > the program director, I get the feeling that he thinks I am > questioning them and/or being argumentative. As a scientist, I just > like to understand the reasons for things. > > Is the concern the actual traveling itself, i.e. sitting in a vehicle > or plane without moving for a few hours, or are there other > complications that might not pop up right away? I would expect that if > there was a problem with the pouch healing that it would be apparent > in the first 3 weeks. While I'm in Dallas, there are bariatric centers > that I could call if I have a problem, but this wouldn't be the case > while on the road. The program director mentioned the concern of blood > clots. I guess I just don't understand how or why that would be a > concern 3 weeks or more out if I am fairly mobile. My friend's sister > in law (who we would be staying with) is a nurse and her brother had > the surgery, so she has at least some experience with it. > > I can put off the trip until the 27th, but that still wouldn't be a > full month. I also could consider flying which would shorten the > travel, but I have issues such as no vehicle when I get there and > having to do something with my dog. Driving is much more convenient > from that standpoint. > > The admin assistant for the group has had the surgery and said that I > wouldn't feel like traveling. I am one of those people that can handle > discomfort pretty well as long as I know I am not causing damage. I > also don't know what would happen if they didn't want me to travel for > a month, but I did a few days early. I guess they wouldn't let me have > the surgery if they thought I would do that. > > They want me to tell them something in the next day or so. I hate to > take the date, then have to back out but on the other hand, I don't > want to screw up the trip. The obvious answer is to wait until > January, but after waiting for a year, I just can't stand the thought > of waiting any longer than I have to. I also am paranoid that the > insurance company will change their requirements on me. > > Do any of you postops have thoughts or experiences to share on this > subject? > > Thanks, > in MI > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 , Great question(s) and lucid thoughts/logic! To preface I DO NOT KNOW the actual reasons behind no traveling but here's my guess. Keep in mind I had laparoscopic RNY. I was told not to drive for two weeks. I believe that was because I had been prescribed liquid Vicodin which I did take an average amount of the first two or three days after surgery. It had the effect of making me pass out and sleep which was good for those first few days sometimes. After that I didn't need it so I stopped taking it as I don't feel comfortable being artificially induced to sleep or be comfortable. It may have been 7 days but at the most it was 10 days after surgery and I was driving myself around town, picking up my kids from school, etc. I was well off the medicine, felt fine, and was simply bored out of my freaking skull. I ended up going back to work two weeks after surgery. As far as not feeling like traveling I would certainly have been willing to travel ANYWHERE after two weeks. Did I mention how boring sitting at home was with all the energy I had? I've heard in this forum and from other non-medical folks that one reason driving/traveling is frowned upon is possible irritation to the incisions or your stomach from a sudden stop, accident, etc. and yet I was driven home from the hospital. Granted my drive home was a whole 4 miles but I know others that had to ride home over 100 miles. Maybe it's " unnecessary " travel? Personally I would think after two weeks you MIGHT be fine for the trip. I've traveled to Texas from Michigan often and taking three days to do it is pretty light. You might want to think about stopping frequently to take bathroom breaks and go for short walks. But do certainly take the advice of your doctor. Really you could just wait until January. Waiting a month for a life time of change(s) isn't such a serious issue in the long run. I put mine off. I was approved at the beginning of November 2005 and didn't get mine until Jan 20, 2006 for financial reasons (saved $300). One way to put your mind at ease with the insurance company is to GET IT IN WRITING that you're fully approved, ready to go and the date everything is set for. It's tough to back out from that. Good luck with your decisions, trip and have congratulations on your pending approval! > > My last insurance required PCP visit is tomorrow. There is a small > question as to whether the insurance company will make me wait until > January. If not, I was tentatively given the option of a December 4th > surgery date. I want it as soon as possible, but that is the earliest > available. > > The problem is that I typically drive with a friend from Michigan to > Texas around December 21. We do the drive over 3 days and stay with > his family in Arkansas for a day or two on the way. The surgeons don't > typically allow travel for at least a month after surgery. I would > like to know the specific reasons, but every time I ask questions of > the program director, I get the feeling that he thinks I am > questioning them and/or being argumentative. As a scientist, I just > like to understand the reasons for things. > > Is the concern the actual traveling itself, i.e. sitting in a vehicle > or plane without moving for a few hours, or are there other > complications that might not pop up right away? I would expect that if > there was a problem with the pouch healing that it would be apparent > in the first 3 weeks. While I'm in Dallas, there are bariatric centers > that I could call if I have a problem, but this wouldn't be the case > while on the road. The program director mentioned the concern of blood > clots. I guess I just don't understand how or why that would be a > concern 3 weeks or more out if I am fairly mobile. My friend's sister > in law (who we would be staying with) is a nurse and her brother had > the surgery, so she has at least some experience with it. > > I can put off the trip until the 27th, but that still wouldn't be a > full month. I also could consider flying which would shorten the > travel, but I have issues such as no vehicle when I get there and > having to do something with my dog. Driving is much more convenient > from that standpoint. > > The admin assistant for the group has had the surgery and said that I > wouldn't feel like traveling. I am one of those people that can handle > discomfort pretty well as long as I know I am not causing damage. I > also don't know what would happen if they didn't want me to travel for > a month, but I did a few days early. I guess they wouldn't let me have > the surgery if they thought I would do that. > > They want me to tell them something in the next day or so. I hate to > take the date, then have to back out but on the other hand, I don't > want to screw up the trip. The obvious answer is to wait until > January, but after waiting for a year, I just can't stand the thought > of waiting any longer than I have to. I also am paranoid that the > insurance company will change their requirements on me. > > Do any of you postops have thoughts or experiences to share on this > subject? > > Thanks, > in MI > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 Driving and riding post op are not necessarily the same thing should an accident happen. I was driving 4 weeks ago when we had a horrible accident. The airbags deployed and I was hurt even though it was two months out. I couldn't imagine if I was just fresh out of surgery. My husband was riding and he never felt the airbag hit him, even though it did knock his glasses off. I would think this may be one major reason. Accidents DO happen and we were LESS than TWO miles from our house on the road we live on. H. > > > > My last insurance required PCP visit is tomorrow. There is a small > > question as to whether the insurance company will make me wait until > > January. If not, I was tentatively given the option of a December > 4th > > surgery date. I want it as soon as possible, but that is the > earliest > > available. > > > > The problem is that I typically drive with a friend from Michigan to > > Texas around December 21. We do the drive over 3 days and stay with > > his family in Arkansas for a day or two on the way. The surgeons > don't > > typically allow travel for at least a month after surgery. I would > > like to know the specific reasons, but every time I ask questions of > > the program director, I get the feeling that he thinks I am > > questioning them and/or being argumentative. As a scientist, I just > > like to understand the reasons for things. > > > > Is the concern the actual traveling itself, i.e. sitting in a > vehicle > > or plane without moving for a few hours, or are there other > > complications that might not pop up right away? I would expect that > if > > there was a problem with the pouch healing that it would be apparent > > in the first 3 weeks. While I'm in Dallas, there are bariatric > centers > > that I could call if I have a problem, but this wouldn't be the case > > while on the road. The program director mentioned the concern of > blood > > clots. I guess I just don't understand how or why that would be a > > concern 3 weeks or more out if I am fairly mobile. My friend's > sister > > in law (who we would be staying with) is a nurse and her brother had > > the surgery, so she has at least some experience with it. > > > > I can put off the trip until the 27th, but that still wouldn't be a > > full month. I also could consider flying which would shorten the > > travel, but I have issues such as no vehicle when I get there and > > having to do something with my dog. Driving is much more convenient > > from that standpoint. > > > > The admin assistant for the group has had the surgery and said that > I > > wouldn't feel like traveling. I am one of those people that can > handle > > discomfort pretty well as long as I know I am not causing damage. I > > also don't know what would happen if they didn't want me to travel > for > > a month, but I did a few days early. I guess they wouldn't let me > have > > the surgery if they thought I would do that. > > > > They want me to tell them something in the next day or so. I hate to > > take the date, then have to back out but on the other hand, I don't > > want to screw up the trip. The obvious answer is to wait until > > January, but after waiting for a year, I just can't stand the > thought > > of waiting any longer than I have to. I also am paranoid that the > > insurance company will change their requirements on me. > > > > Do any of you postops have thoughts or experiences to share on this > > subject? > > > > Thanks, > > in MI > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 Driving and riding post op are not necessarily the same thing should an accident happen. I was driving 4 weeks ago when we had a horrible accident. The airbags deployed and I was hurt even though it was two months out. I couldn't imagine if I was just fresh out of surgery. My husband was riding and he never felt the airbag hit him, even though it did knock his glasses off. I would think this may be one major reason. Accidents DO happen and we were LESS than TWO miles from our house on the road we live on. H. > > > > My last insurance required PCP visit is tomorrow. There is a small > > question as to whether the insurance company will make me wait until > > January. If not, I was tentatively given the option of a December > 4th > > surgery date. I want it as soon as possible, but that is the > earliest > > available. > > > > The problem is that I typically drive with a friend from Michigan to > > Texas around December 21. We do the drive over 3 days and stay with > > his family in Arkansas for a day or two on the way. The surgeons > don't > > typically allow travel for at least a month after surgery. I would > > like to know the specific reasons, but every time I ask questions of > > the program director, I get the feeling that he thinks I am > > questioning them and/or being argumentative. As a scientist, I just > > like to understand the reasons for things. > > > > Is the concern the actual traveling itself, i.e. sitting in a > vehicle > > or plane without moving for a few hours, or are there other > > complications that might not pop up right away? I would expect that > if > > there was a problem with the pouch healing that it would be apparent > > in the first 3 weeks. While I'm in Dallas, there are bariatric > centers > > that I could call if I have a problem, but this wouldn't be the case > > while on the road. The program director mentioned the concern of > blood > > clots. I guess I just don't understand how or why that would be a > > concern 3 weeks or more out if I am fairly mobile. My friend's > sister > > in law (who we would be staying with) is a nurse and her brother had > > the surgery, so she has at least some experience with it. > > > > I can put off the trip until the 27th, but that still wouldn't be a > > full month. I also could consider flying which would shorten the > > travel, but I have issues such as no vehicle when I get there and > > having to do something with my dog. Driving is much more convenient > > from that standpoint. > > > > The admin assistant for the group has had the surgery and said that > I > > wouldn't feel like traveling. I am one of those people that can > handle > > discomfort pretty well as long as I know I am not causing damage. I > > also don't know what would happen if they didn't want me to travel > for > > a month, but I did a few days early. I guess they wouldn't let me > have > > the surgery if they thought I would do that. > > > > They want me to tell them something in the next day or so. I hate to > > take the date, then have to back out but on the other hand, I don't > > want to screw up the trip. The obvious answer is to wait until > > January, but after waiting for a year, I just can't stand the > thought > > of waiting any longer than I have to. I also am paranoid that the > > insurance company will change their requirements on me. > > > > Do any of you postops have thoughts or experiences to share on this > > subject? > > > > Thanks, > > in MI > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 Hi , I understand your problems about them thinking that you are being argumentative. It seems that every time my wife or I try to ask my surgeon a legitimate question, we feel he thinks he is God or he thinks we are absolutely stupid, so you are not alone here and it is really frustrating. I would just keep asking questions and just see what happens. Lin Lhsh@... American by birth, Saved by the grace of God. Traveling after WLS?? My last insurance required PCP visit is tomorrow. There is a small question as to whether the insurance company will make me wait until January. If not, I was tentatively given the option of a December 4th surgery date. I want it as soon as possible, but that is the earliest available. The problem is that I typically drive with a friend from Michigan to Texas around December 21. We do the drive over 3 days and stay with his family in Arkansas for a day or two on the way. The surgeons don't typically allow travel for at least a month after surgery. I would like to know the specific reasons, but every time I ask questions of the program director, I get the feeling that he thinks I am questioning them and/or being argumentative. As a scientist, I just like to understand the reasons for things. Is the concern the actual traveling itself, i.e. sitting in a vehicle or plane without moving for a few hours, or are there other complications that might not pop up right away? I would expect that if there was a problem with the pouch healing that it would be apparent in the first 3 weeks. While I'm in Dallas, there are bariatric centers that I could call if I have a problem, but this wouldn't be the case while on the road. The program director mentioned the concern of blood clots. I guess I just don't understand how or why that would be a concern 3 weeks or more out if I am fairly mobile. My friend's sister in law (who we would be staying with) is a nurse and her brother had the surgery, so she has at least some experience with it. I can put off the trip until the 27th, but that still wouldn't be a full month. I also could consider flying which would shorten the travel, but I have issues such as no vehicle when I get there and having to do something with my dog. Driving is much more convenient from that standpoint. The admin assistant for the group has had the surgery and said that I wouldn't feel like traveling. I am one of those people that can handle discomfort pretty well as long as I know I am not causing damage. I also don't know what would happen if they didn't want me to travel for a month, but I did a few days early. I guess they wouldn't let me have the surgery if they thought I would do that. They want me to tell them something in the next day or so. I hate to take the date, then have to back out but on the other hand, I don't want to screw up the trip. The obvious answer is to wait until January, but after waiting for a year, I just can't stand the thought of waiting any longer than I have to. I also am paranoid that the insurance company will change their requirements on me. Do any of you postops have thoughts or experiences to share on this subject? Thanks, in MI We are a very active support group. If the email becomes overwhelming, please change your setting to NO EMAIL! Please contact Group Creator Robyn@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 Hi , I understand your problems about them thinking that you are being argumentative. It seems that every time my wife or I try to ask my surgeon a legitimate question, we feel he thinks he is God or he thinks we are absolutely stupid, so you are not alone here and it is really frustrating. I would just keep asking questions and just see what happens. Lin Lhsh@... American by birth, Saved by the grace of God. Traveling after WLS?? My last insurance required PCP visit is tomorrow. There is a small question as to whether the insurance company will make me wait until January. If not, I was tentatively given the option of a December 4th surgery date. I want it as soon as possible, but that is the earliest available. The problem is that I typically drive with a friend from Michigan to Texas around December 21. We do the drive over 3 days and stay with his family in Arkansas for a day or two on the way. The surgeons don't typically allow travel for at least a month after surgery. I would like to know the specific reasons, but every time I ask questions of the program director, I get the feeling that he thinks I am questioning them and/or being argumentative. As a scientist, I just like to understand the reasons for things. Is the concern the actual traveling itself, i.e. sitting in a vehicle or plane without moving for a few hours, or are there other complications that might not pop up right away? I would expect that if there was a problem with the pouch healing that it would be apparent in the first 3 weeks. While I'm in Dallas, there are bariatric centers that I could call if I have a problem, but this wouldn't be the case while on the road. The program director mentioned the concern of blood clots. I guess I just don't understand how or why that would be a concern 3 weeks or more out if I am fairly mobile. My friend's sister in law (who we would be staying with) is a nurse and her brother had the surgery, so she has at least some experience with it. I can put off the trip until the 27th, but that still wouldn't be a full month. I also could consider flying which would shorten the travel, but I have issues such as no vehicle when I get there and having to do something with my dog. Driving is much more convenient from that standpoint. The admin assistant for the group has had the surgery and said that I wouldn't feel like traveling. I am one of those people that can handle discomfort pretty well as long as I know I am not causing damage. I also don't know what would happen if they didn't want me to travel for a month, but I did a few days early. I guess they wouldn't let me have the surgery if they thought I would do that. They want me to tell them something in the next day or so. I hate to take the date, then have to back out but on the other hand, I don't want to screw up the trip. The obvious answer is to wait until January, but after waiting for a year, I just can't stand the thought of waiting any longer than I have to. I also am paranoid that the insurance company will change their requirements on me. Do any of you postops have thoughts or experiences to share on this subject? Thanks, in MI We are a very active support group. If the email becomes overwhelming, please change your setting to NO EMAIL! Please contact Group Creator Robyn@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 Hi , I understand your problems about them thinking that you are being argumentative. It seems that every time my wife or I try to ask my surgeon a legitimate question, we feel he thinks he is God or he thinks we are absolutely stupid, so you are not alone here and it is really frustrating. I would just keep asking questions and just see what happens. Lin Lhsh@... American by birth, Saved by the grace of God. Traveling after WLS?? My last insurance required PCP visit is tomorrow. There is a small question as to whether the insurance company will make me wait until January. If not, I was tentatively given the option of a December 4th surgery date. I want it as soon as possible, but that is the earliest available. The problem is that I typically drive with a friend from Michigan to Texas around December 21. We do the drive over 3 days and stay with his family in Arkansas for a day or two on the way. The surgeons don't typically allow travel for at least a month after surgery. I would like to know the specific reasons, but every time I ask questions of the program director, I get the feeling that he thinks I am questioning them and/or being argumentative. As a scientist, I just like to understand the reasons for things. Is the concern the actual traveling itself, i.e. sitting in a vehicle or plane without moving for a few hours, or are there other complications that might not pop up right away? I would expect that if there was a problem with the pouch healing that it would be apparent in the first 3 weeks. While I'm in Dallas, there are bariatric centers that I could call if I have a problem, but this wouldn't be the case while on the road. The program director mentioned the concern of blood clots. I guess I just don't understand how or why that would be a concern 3 weeks or more out if I am fairly mobile. My friend's sister in law (who we would be staying with) is a nurse and her brother had the surgery, so she has at least some experience with it. I can put off the trip until the 27th, but that still wouldn't be a full month. I also could consider flying which would shorten the travel, but I have issues such as no vehicle when I get there and having to do something with my dog. Driving is much more convenient from that standpoint. The admin assistant for the group has had the surgery and said that I wouldn't feel like traveling. I am one of those people that can handle discomfort pretty well as long as I know I am not causing damage. I also don't know what would happen if they didn't want me to travel for a month, but I did a few days early. I guess they wouldn't let me have the surgery if they thought I would do that. They want me to tell them something in the next day or so. I hate to take the date, then have to back out but on the other hand, I don't want to screw up the trip. The obvious answer is to wait until January, but after waiting for a year, I just can't stand the thought of waiting any longer than I have to. I also am paranoid that the insurance company will change their requirements on me. Do any of you postops have thoughts or experiences to share on this subject? Thanks, in MI We are a very active support group. If the email becomes overwhelming, please change your setting to NO EMAIL! Please contact Group Creator Robyn@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 This is a great example of what is probably the primary reason docs don't want you to travel after wls. I'm not sure this should discourage you from traveling but you'd better be aware of the risk you're taking. Personally, from hearing 's story and knowing you'd only have to wait a few more weeks for surgery I'd postpone it. But that's just me. Mike > > > > > > My last insurance required PCP visit is tomorrow. There is a small > > > question as to whether the insurance company will make me wait until > > > January. If not, I was tentatively given the option of a December > > 4th > > > surgery date. I want it as soon as possible, but that is the > > earliest > > > available. > > > > > > The problem is that I typically drive with a friend from Michigan to > > > Texas around December 21. We do the drive over 3 days and stay with > > > his family in Arkansas for a day or two on the way. The surgeons > > don't > > > typically allow travel for at least a month after surgery. I would > > > like to know the specific reasons, but every time I ask questions of > > > the program director, I get the feeling that he thinks I am > > > questioning them and/or being argumentative. As a scientist, I just > > > like to understand the reasons for things. > > > > > > Is the concern the actual traveling itself, i.e. sitting in a > > vehicle > > > or plane without moving for a few hours, or are there other > > > complications that might not pop up right away? I would expect that > > if > > > there was a problem with the pouch healing that it would be apparent > > > in the first 3 weeks. While I'm in Dallas, there are bariatric > > centers > > > that I could call if I have a problem, but this wouldn't be the case > > > while on the road. The program director mentioned the concern of > > blood > > > clots. I guess I just don't understand how or why that would be a > > > concern 3 weeks or more out if I am fairly mobile. My friend's > > sister > > > in law (who we would be staying with) is a nurse and her brother had > > > the surgery, so she has at least some experience with it. > > > > > > I can put off the trip until the 27th, but that still wouldn't be a > > > full month. I also could consider flying which would shorten the > > > travel, but I have issues such as no vehicle when I get there and > > > having to do something with my dog. Driving is much more convenient > > > from that standpoint. > > > > > > The admin assistant for the group has had the surgery and said that > > I > > > wouldn't feel like traveling. I am one of those people that can > > handle > > > discomfort pretty well as long as I know I am not causing damage. I > > > also don't know what would happen if they didn't want me to travel > > for > > > a month, but I did a few days early. I guess they wouldn't let me > > have > > > the surgery if they thought I would do that. > > > > > > They want me to tell them something in the next day or so. I hate to > > > take the date, then have to back out but on the other hand, I don't > > > want to screw up the trip. The obvious answer is to wait until > > > January, but after waiting for a year, I just can't stand the > > thought > > > of waiting any longer than I have to. I also am paranoid that the > > > insurance company will change their requirements on me. > > > > > > Do any of you postops have thoughts or experiences to share on this > > > subject? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > in MI > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 This is a great example of what is probably the primary reason docs don't want you to travel after wls. I'm not sure this should discourage you from traveling but you'd better be aware of the risk you're taking. Personally, from hearing 's story and knowing you'd only have to wait a few more weeks for surgery I'd postpone it. But that's just me. Mike > > > > > > My last insurance required PCP visit is tomorrow. There is a small > > > question as to whether the insurance company will make me wait until > > > January. If not, I was tentatively given the option of a December > > 4th > > > surgery date. I want it as soon as possible, but that is the > > earliest > > > available. > > > > > > The problem is that I typically drive with a friend from Michigan to > > > Texas around December 21. We do the drive over 3 days and stay with > > > his family in Arkansas for a day or two on the way. The surgeons > > don't > > > typically allow travel for at least a month after surgery. I would > > > like to know the specific reasons, but every time I ask questions of > > > the program director, I get the feeling that he thinks I am > > > questioning them and/or being argumentative. As a scientist, I just > > > like to understand the reasons for things. > > > > > > Is the concern the actual traveling itself, i.e. sitting in a > > vehicle > > > or plane without moving for a few hours, or are there other > > > complications that might not pop up right away? I would expect that > > if > > > there was a problem with the pouch healing that it would be apparent > > > in the first 3 weeks. While I'm in Dallas, there are bariatric > > centers > > > that I could call if I have a problem, but this wouldn't be the case > > > while on the road. The program director mentioned the concern of > > blood > > > clots. I guess I just don't understand how or why that would be a > > > concern 3 weeks or more out if I am fairly mobile. My friend's > > sister > > > in law (who we would be staying with) is a nurse and her brother had > > > the surgery, so she has at least some experience with it. > > > > > > I can put off the trip until the 27th, but that still wouldn't be a > > > full month. I also could consider flying which would shorten the > > > travel, but I have issues such as no vehicle when I get there and > > > having to do something with my dog. Driving is much more convenient > > > from that standpoint. > > > > > > The admin assistant for the group has had the surgery and said that > > I > > > wouldn't feel like traveling. I am one of those people that can > > handle > > > discomfort pretty well as long as I know I am not causing damage. I > > > also don't know what would happen if they didn't want me to travel > > for > > > a month, but I did a few days early. I guess they wouldn't let me > > have > > > the surgery if they thought I would do that. > > > > > > They want me to tell them something in the next day or so. I hate to > > > take the date, then have to back out but on the other hand, I don't > > > want to screw up the trip. The obvious answer is to wait until > > > January, but after waiting for a year, I just can't stand the > > thought > > > of waiting any longer than I have to. I also am paranoid that the > > > insurance company will change their requirements on me. > > > > > > Do any of you postops have thoughts or experiences to share on this > > > subject? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > in MI > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 This is a great example of what is probably the primary reason docs don't want you to travel after wls. I'm not sure this should discourage you from traveling but you'd better be aware of the risk you're taking. Personally, from hearing 's story and knowing you'd only have to wait a few more weeks for surgery I'd postpone it. But that's just me. Mike > > > > > > My last insurance required PCP visit is tomorrow. There is a small > > > question as to whether the insurance company will make me wait until > > > January. If not, I was tentatively given the option of a December > > 4th > > > surgery date. I want it as soon as possible, but that is the > > earliest > > > available. > > > > > > The problem is that I typically drive with a friend from Michigan to > > > Texas around December 21. We do the drive over 3 days and stay with > > > his family in Arkansas for a day or two on the way. The surgeons > > don't > > > typically allow travel for at least a month after surgery. I would > > > like to know the specific reasons, but every time I ask questions of > > > the program director, I get the feeling that he thinks I am > > > questioning them and/or being argumentative. As a scientist, I just > > > like to understand the reasons for things. > > > > > > Is the concern the actual traveling itself, i.e. sitting in a > > vehicle > > > or plane without moving for a few hours, or are there other > > > complications that might not pop up right away? I would expect that > > if > > > there was a problem with the pouch healing that it would be apparent > > > in the first 3 weeks. While I'm in Dallas, there are bariatric > > centers > > > that I could call if I have a problem, but this wouldn't be the case > > > while on the road. The program director mentioned the concern of > > blood > > > clots. I guess I just don't understand how or why that would be a > > > concern 3 weeks or more out if I am fairly mobile. My friend's > > sister > > > in law (who we would be staying with) is a nurse and her brother had > > > the surgery, so she has at least some experience with it. > > > > > > I can put off the trip until the 27th, but that still wouldn't be a > > > full month. I also could consider flying which would shorten the > > > travel, but I have issues such as no vehicle when I get there and > > > having to do something with my dog. Driving is much more convenient > > > from that standpoint. > > > > > > The admin assistant for the group has had the surgery and said that > > I > > > wouldn't feel like traveling. I am one of those people that can > > handle > > > discomfort pretty well as long as I know I am not causing damage. I > > > also don't know what would happen if they didn't want me to travel > > for > > > a month, but I did a few days early. I guess they wouldn't let me > > have > > > the surgery if they thought I would do that. > > > > > > They want me to tell them something in the next day or so. I hate to > > > take the date, then have to back out but on the other hand, I don't > > > want to screw up the trip. The obvious answer is to wait until > > > January, but after waiting for a year, I just can't stand the > > thought > > > of waiting any longer than I have to. I also am paranoid that the > > > insurance company will change their requirements on me. > > > > > > Do any of you postops have thoughts or experiences to share on this > > > subject? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > in MI > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 --- LISA. if you dont start making yourself important and take care of lisa, you will not be here to help others. i,m the exact same way,, but it s now time to do myself. the other things will come along,, c ya donna In GastricBypass-LOSERS , Wang wrote: > > You know , why aren't we allowed to be selfish sometimes?! I give to my husband (soon to be ex), my daughter, my job, my church, my mom and family and it should be okay for a good person to be selfish sometimes. I've come to realize to that people in each part of my life don't know what is going on in the rest of my life and so they CAN'T do it for me even if they felt so inclined. I HAVE to be the one to say, NO, not today, not feeling up to it. I always felt so guilty and would never say no and if something was needed I was the first to volunteer. Well, I'm done with that. I know that giving is a part of my character, but I will no longer give until it hurts. I have to think about myself first. It's like the airlines say that you have to secure your oxygen before you do your child's on a flight and it's like that in life.....if we're not doing for ourselves then we won't be strong enough to give to everyone we would like to in our lives. ya know what I mean? > > Re: Traveling after WLS?? > > > Driving and riding post op are not necessarily the same thing should > an accident happen. I was driving 4 weeks ago when we had a horrible > accident. The airbags deployed and I was hurt even though it was two > months out. I couldn't imagine if I was just fresh out of surgery. My > husband was riding and he never felt the airbag hit him, even though > it did knock his glasses off. I would think this may be one major > reason. Accidents DO happen and we were LESS than TWO miles from our > house on the road we live on. > > H. > > > > > > > > My last insurance required PCP visit is tomorrow. There is a small > > > question as to whether the insurance company will make me wait until > > > January. If not, I was tentatively given the option of a December > > 4th > > > surgery date. I want it as soon as possible, but that is the > > earliest > > > available. > > > > > > The problem is that I typically drive with a friend from Michigan to > > > Texas around December 21. We do the drive over 3 days and stay with > > > his family in Arkansas for a day or two on the way. The surgeons > > don't > > > typically allow travel for at least a month after surgery. I would > > > like to know the specific reasons, but every time I ask questions of > > > the program director, I get the feeling that he thinks I am > > > questioning them and/or being argumentative. As a scientist, I just > > > like to understand the reasons for things. > > > > > > Is the concern the actual traveling itself, i.e. sitting in a > > vehicle > > > or plane without moving for a few hours, or are there other > > > complications that might not pop up right away? I would expect that > > if > > > there was a problem with the pouch healing that it would be apparent > > > in the first 3 weeks. While I'm in Dallas, there are bariatric > > centers > > > that I could call if I have a problem, but this wouldn't be the case > > > while on the road. The program director mentioned the concern of > > blood > > > clots. I guess I just don't understand how or why that would be a > > > concern 3 weeks or more out if I am fairly mobile. My friend's > > sister > > > in law (who we would be staying with) is a nurse and her brother had > > > the surgery, so she has at least some experience with it. > > > > > > I can put off the trip until the 27th, but that still wouldn't be a > > > full month. I also could consider flying which would shorten the > > > travel, but I have issues such as no vehicle when I get there and > > > having to do something with my dog. Driving is much more convenient > > > from that standpoint. > > > > > > The admin assistant for the group has had the surgery and said that > > I > > > wouldn't feel like traveling. I am one of those people that can > > handle > > > discomfort pretty well as long as I know I am not causing damage. I > > > also don't know what would happen if they didn't want me to travel > > for > > > a month, but I did a few days early. I guess they wouldn't let me > > have > > > the surgery if they thought I would do that. > > > > > > They want me to tell them something in the next day or so. I hate to > > > take the date, then have to back out but on the other hand, I don't > > > want to screw up the trip. The obvious answer is to wait until > > > January, but after waiting for a year, I just can't stand the > > thought > > > of waiting any longer than I have to. I also am paranoid that the > > > insurance company will change their requirements on me. > > > > > > Do any of you postops have thoughts or experiences to share on this > > > subject? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > in MI > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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