Question:
Will I be able to travel 2 weeks after having lapband surgery?

I have just been scheduled for lap band surgery on 12/13/02. I have already arranged (and paid) for a vacation over New Years to Belize. This question is for those who have had this type of surgery. Will I be ready to leave on vacation by 12/28/02? And also what will I be eating by that time. The coordinator at the doctor's office has assured me that if there are no complications I should be ready. Do you agree?    — Mary A. (posted on November 13, 2002)

November 13, 2002
Hi, I am one of the crazy ones too. I went on vacation 10 days out from an open RNY. It was a 23 hour trip one way, and we did not stop to stay the night anywhere, as it was not in our budget. I would not really call it a true vacation, seeing as we went to visit with family since my husband was being deployed. We had to make a lot of stops for ten minutes or so, which drug out the drive even longer than the actual 23 hours. As far as eating, it was all good, Just trial and error, I would eat a lot of fish, and mashed potatoes, ect. We even stopped at Arby's where I had them give me a side of meat for 75 cents, and a side of cheese for an additional 35 cents. Subway did the same for me too. (their roasted chicken was very good) I just showed them the meal card from my surgeon. I will say the activities we did I would sometimes have to get the go-cart to shop in, and we went to the zoo, and I tried to walk it but my husband ended up running back after an hour and a half of pure misery to get me a wheelchair. Just take it as easy as you can, push your limits and you will be exhausted, but if you just try to take it slow and enjoy the scenery a little bit more than you are used to sometimes looking at the same blade of grass, for 15 minutes will do. lol. Just drink your fluids more than you eat, crushed ice was my life savor. It was definately tolerable. I was also off my pain meds when I came home from the hospital because I couldn't stand the taste of them crushed up in something. I believe that helped alot too. Just remember to get your fluids in that is the most important at that stage. I carried around an snow cone maker, it was small, and you put some ice in it and you crank the handle and it shaves the ice for you. Walmart sells them they look like a little blue snowman. Have fun and enjoy your trip. Have a blessed day! ~Ang~ Distal RNY July 16th -97#'s
   — angel_wls

November 18, 2002
I had my lapband surgery on the 15th--3 days ago. My doctor said he wanted me to do everything I did before the surgery. I can drive (only if not on pain meds, which I am not), play with my kids, whatever. I cannot do any lifting, and bending is a little hard only because of my incisions. I don't think that you will have any problems with traveling at that time. It's hard to say what you will be eating. I had read that you are to be on a liquid diet for 4 weeks after lapband, but my surgeon said that he will put me on a soft foods diet after 2 weeks. I think that depends on your surgeon and what he/she feels is best for you. I would just discuss it with your surgeon.
   — prakter