Calling gastric patients...need touring advise after very recent surgery!

[trampslady]

Hello! We are DVC Members and regular Disney visitors, so this trip will not be the "once in a lifetime" visit. But, we (it's just me and my husband) will be visiting WDW starting on December 18 through December 28 for the Christmas holiday.

I may be having a sleeve gastrectomy (not as common as bypass or quite as complicated a surgery) on December 5 or so. If you've had surgery before, do you think I'll be in decent enough shape 10-15 days out for the flight (three hours from Dallas) and to have reasonable fun?

Rides? We are casual park touring folks, including a nice afternoon break everyday, and we always go into things knowing that we will be back, so long lines for certain rides aren't something we do often. If I have to miss the more adventurous rides this trip, I'm okay with it.

Food? I've been everywhere, so I think I can work out my needs with soups (and my own protein drinks).

Honesty appreciated......thanks!

[Glencora]

I'm not familiar with your surgery, but I'll tell you my experience. I had a lap-band put in in 2007, and had a bad reaction to the anesthetic, so a one night hospital stay became a six night stay. After that, I was sure I'd be miserable for a while, but by two weeks later I was absolutely fine. I even started on soft sold foods about a week before I was supposed to, and never had any problems.

Again, not being familiar with your surgery, i can't make too many predictions, but even if you're not a fast healer, I would think that by the two week mark you would probably be OK for slow days in the parks. Good luck, and HTH.

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest you go over to the disABILITIES Forum for answers to this question. Also, you might start with Post #3 in the disABILITIES FAQs. You can get directly to the disABILITIES FAQs via the link in my signature.

[RMulieri]

I have worked with Bariatric patients in the past.it all depends on what your Doctor says, how you handle the procedure, any complications, how you feel, and again What you Dr and surgeon advise.No one can answer this here for you.I have seen simple surgeries turn major, Major ones become minor and everything in between

[roxiehartseeyore]

I had the regular gastric bypass in 2006, zero complications and was home doing light chores in 3 days. (I didn't have it it done laproscopic but it wasn't a full open either, maybe a 3 inch cut) Even with having no problems you will be TIRED! For at least the first 2 months doing anything was a chore, naps were always on my to do list. Doing disney is entirely possible just factor in lots of breaks and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! I take a camelbak with me so I have a constant source of water at all time. Have fun, good luck and congratulations on your surgery!

[trac96]

i had gastric bypass and would not even think of doing disney 2 weeks after surgery. although i have never heard of the surgery you are having and you say it's less invasive way to many things can pop up, you just don't know. i wouldn't want to plan a vacation and be disappointed in not being able to go if something were to happen. i personally would wait till i was healthy enough to go and eat regular foods and be able to enjoy it. i say congrats to you on making the decision on getting the surgery and hope everything goes well for you. i lost 180 pounds with my surgery and have been able to keep it all off and i wish you all the same success.


let us know what you decide. and if you do decide to go maybe the insurance is a must for this trip because it could end up being a savior if something happens that you can't go.

[scoolover]

I had the open bypass in 2005 and went back to work in a jail in about three weeks. I had a light duty post and was pretty lethargic for a while. It soulds like you are pretty open to what ever comes and that will be a good thing as there are many factors that will alter your vacation. If you are open to doing whatever comes along, you will be fine.

[MareSINY]

You should check with your doc to see if you can fly so soon after surgery. You don't want to risk DVT (blood clots).

I haven't had gastric bypass, but I did have a hysterectomy a few years ago and I can tell you that it was several weeks before I felt well enough to even start doing normal activities like walking a supermarket.

Definitely talk to your doc and see what he/she advises. Good luck with your surgery and with your trip plans!!