When can you drive again? - ThinnerTimes

witticizm · 07-23-2006, 04:38 PM

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering how long it was before your doctor said you can drive after surgery? Can you drive yourself to your first post-op visit? Your second?

Thank you,

Mavisavis · 07-23-2006, 04:45 PM

I drove very short distances within about 4 days. I had lap RNY, and we were told as long as we were not on pain meds and could hit a brake. It was a week or two and I was driving fairly normal, except if it was more than an hour I got out to walk. I know it depends a lot on the person, the doc, and the type of surgery.

Epitofme · 07-23-2006, 08:33 PM

I avoided driving until my first post-op appointment [10 days post-op]. I also had a mother and friends who drove me places. I was ready to drive a few days after because I was off medicine dispite the complications I had, but decided to wait anyway.

Jennimaria · 07-23-2006, 08:42 PM

I drove after a week. I at the last minute forgot I had left my CD player in my mom's Diamante which was at the mitsubishi dealer an hour away. Well, it was pouring rain and I drove my Mom's tiny Mercedes up there and I was fine

. I was a bit more careful once I got back to Phoenix and was driving my stick shift car as it was a bit jerkier. Just be very careful.

SD_Johnsons · 07-24-2006, 04:52 PM

I dove about a week later. I had two kids and my husband was depployed. I got tired depending on neighbors. My doctor said that braking works the abdominal muscles.

Gina in NY · 07-24-2006, 07:21 PM

I was told that after I was off pain meds, as long as I felt I could react to sudden situations without hurting myself. So I drove like, 5 - 10 miles at at ime on days 8 - 13 then I drove to my post-op appointment on day 14 - which was more like an hour and a half. I was tired after that - made my back hurt, but I don't know why. I still get a back ache if I drive too many hours in a day. I think I may be overcompensating for the abdominals... Who knows...

Main thing - totally off pain meds...

Cinerbelle · 07-24-2006, 08:27 PM

I was cleared to drive at my one week post op visit...as long as I wasn't still taking drugs.

notsosmall619 · 07-24-2006, 08:40 PM

My surgery was Friday and I drove on Monday, but I felt really good and I was told to listen to my body and I felt like I could drive.

michelleJC · 07-25-2006, 07:38 AM

I must have been a real wimp. I didnt drive until almost a month post-op. I was still taking pain meds on and off and I was afraid i was going to rip open something. LOL

deadboy · 07-25-2006, 12:11 PM

I was able to drive as soon as they got my staples out.