My first official question, yay. - ThinnerTimes

Johanna's Corner · 08-21-2007, 02:47 PM

Ok so here goes my first official question on this board. I don't know if I'm going to get heat for this, but I'm traveling to Mexico for my surgery. My dad is a lawyer over there and is married to one of the best doctors in Mexico. She is the director of the Main hospital over there. I'm traveling because the hospital stay will be free for me and my stepmother will have her top two surgeons supervising the procedure. The only thiing coming out pocket will be the surgeon's fee. So everything is taken care of, but my main concern right now is the plane trip back. My mom and my husband freaked me out by saying my intestines good burst in mid air. I don't know but that sounds more like an urban legend to me. I try to google it but couldn't find to many results. Does anyone have any recommendations. Is there anything I should worry about. Stupid me I forgot to ask my doctor and I've already called him like 4 times this past week and I would feel embarrased to call again. So Iwas hoping someone if anyone could share their experiences and/or advise. It would be greatly appreciated. TIA

greeneyes · 08-21-2007, 03:06 PM

I thought that you could get blood clots but your step mom should no.
Good luck Michelle

Debz · 08-21-2007, 03:28 PM

I'd lay off on the pop rocks and Coke, just to be sure......But seriously, folks.....sounds like an urban legend to me. As the previous poster, I'd be more concerned about Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). People travel for WLS all the time with good results. Also, how long are you planning on recuperating before returning?

greeneyes · 08-21-2007, 03:35 PM

My dad had surgery and they told him to be careful and not go way via planes because blood clots can happen! Maybe it was just him but I thought I would bring it up.

Johanna's Corner · 08-21-2007, 03:37 PM

I read something about DVT, but it's not something that is life or death on the plane. I would have to ask my doctor about what I would do if that would happen. My doctor says I should stay a week, just long enough to take the drain out. My dad will have someone taking me in a shuttle for the transfer and a wheelchair for when I get home. I plan on recurperating another week or so before I go back to work.

oh and darn I was hoping on going heavy with that coke and pop rocks. oh well.

momto4 · 08-21-2007, 03:44 PM

I had my surgery on a Tuesday ~ stayed in the hospital till Friday morning ~ went straight from the hospital to the airport for a four hour flight. My Dr. knew I had to get on the plane ~ he DID NOT PROMISE he would release me ~ he said "we have to see how things go" ~ but everything went fine and he released me to fly that night... was it comfortable? ~ NO! I had to use all my energy to focus on breathing in and out so that I would not vomit ~ ... I MADE myself get up and down often ~ per dr's orders ~ to keep the blood flowing. I wore perscription stockings to my knees to help swelling and circulation (per dr) ~ the drainage tubes were uncomfortable ~ and drained a lot ~ it was less than ideal to say the least ~ BUT ~ I did it and was just fine... I left my four kids in another state to have this surgery and HAD to get home as quick as possible... BUT I WOULD HAVE WAITED IF THE DR HAD CONCERNS ~ and you should as well~ plan on it ~ but wait and see how you are doing ~ If possible ~ I HIGHLY suggest you fly first class ~ so much more room and comfort ~ you will want it this trip for sure... ALSO, I had pre-arranged a conference with my surgeon and the Dr who would be doing follow up in my current state ~ be sure you have a Dr that knows all you have been thru standing by to do follow up!!!
GOOD LUCK!!!

PS~ JUST REMEMBERED ~ I ABSOLUTELY WORE A BINDER ON THE PLANE ~ IT HELPED SO MUCH!!!

moosie · 08-21-2007, 04:03 PM

I don't know about that, but wanted to wish you luck. Maybe you should call your step mom and ask her a few questions.

electrichoney · 08-21-2007, 04:07 PM

OMG, I can't imagine flying right after surgery, given my experience. My surgery was also on a Tuesday and I got out Friday, and I was dead-dog tired and in serious pain when I got home, which was only a 15-minute ride! My mom drove me home, and I was holding my stomach every time she braked for a traffic light or something. I was also super-paranoid about the possibility of having a car accident on the way home - I was in so much pain that I didn't even try to put on a seat belt, so I was worried about what might happen if she had to slam on brakes or if someone hit us. Plus, I gained 10 pounds of fluid in the hospital from the IV drip they used on me! I would have laid down and died if I had to travel any more than that short distance during Hell Week. You guys are amazing!

Dyann · 08-21-2007, 05:11 PM

I think the more dangerous part is when you are back here a week out and you don't have a surgeon and you are ill. Complications don't just happen in the OR. Even in the best of hands things can happen. There are Dr. Patricia Byers, Dr. Nestor De La Cruz or Dr. Jorge Sosa....they all do tons of GBP in Miami. Keep those names handy for emergency. No your intestines will not burst, but a DVT with pulmonary embolism can be life threatening when they occur. It is a low percentage, but if your family has pull, make sure you get a lower extremity venous ultrasound before you leave the hospital.

Best of luck.

Johanna's Corner · 08-21-2007, 05:27 PM

Thanks everyone for your responses. I will consult with my doctor and It shouldn't be a problem getting a lower extremity venous ultrasound. I just have to know how to say that in spanish. You wouln't know that by chance would you?

?Anyways I think those special stockings is a real good idea too. Thanks for for everything. I just so nervous and excited seeing as my WLS is next month already.

Woohoo can't wait to be a big loser