Visiting Disney Shortly After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

[donnaf516]

Has anyone had any experience with this? It's looking like my surgery date will be late May or early June and we're headed to Disney on 6/24. I'm hoping I'll be over the liquid diet part of recovery but I'm really nervous about how I'll be feeling physically.

My daughter's dance team is performing so canceling or postponing isn't an option otherwise that's what I'd be doing.

I'm just wondering if anyone has been through the same thing.

 

[strat68]

Have had friends do it. I think it's more a matter of getting a handle on what you can or cannot eat and how you react to foods. People react differently. One thing that one person had to figure out was alcohol consumption.

I'm sure you will do so, but consult your doctor. They may have a different perspective.

 

[donnaf516]

Have had friends do it. I think it's more a matter of getting a handle on what you can or cannot eat and how you react to foods. People react differently. One thing that one person had to figure out was alcohol consumption.

I'm sure you will do so, but consult your doctor. They may have a different perspective.

My doctor knows I'm doing it. I'll need to carry protein drinks with me and be very careful of what I eat. I'm a little concerned with being able to keep up with the rest of the family. Think it's time for me accept that I may need to take it slower. On a good note, all the walking should hopefully help with my weight loss.

 

[godders]

I had a gastric band put in about 2 months before I went to Disney so I'd say you're probably going to have a hard time balancing the need to hydrate and the need to eat. It's going to be hot so you need to keep your fluids up so personally I would say you should stick to a liquid diet for your trip (as it looks like it's only a couple of extra days). I only went to solids 4 weeks after my op and even then they were mashable so I don't know if you will be off a liquid diet by your trip anyway.

You're probably going to tire easily (because of the op and change in diet) so you are going to have to take it easy. You may have to send the family off while you have a nice sit down in the shade or aircon somewhere or only do the things you HAVE to do like seeing your daughter perform. I would wait and see how you're feeling at the time to decide what you feel you're up to

 

[donnaf516]

I'm wondering if first aid will let me leave protein drinks in a refrigerator. I can take a cooler but I don't think it will stay cool all day. I'll also probably need to keep my liquid medication with me that will need to be refrigerated. Hopefully I can find a way to make that stuff work.

I don't have a problem with taking it easy, but I do have to be there. I don't want to ruin this experience for my daughter. She's super excited and we've been planning it for over a year. Just some bad timing...

 

[dachsie]

Has anyone had any experience with this? It's looking like my surgery date will be late May or early June and we're headed to Disney on 6/24. I'm hoping I'll be over the liquid diet part of recovery but I'm really nervous about how I'll be feeling physically.

My daughter's dance team is performing so canceling or postponing isn't an option otherwise that's what I'd be doing.

I'm just wondering if anyone has been through the same thing.

For me it took 4-5 weeks to get my stamina up. I could hardly make it thru a full day of work without being totally exhausted.

 

[seashell7290]

I worked for a bariatric surgeon and most patients are still on liquid diets 4 weeks out. You will need to make sure you stay hydrated and get the correct amount of protein. Follow the diet guide you are given. Make sure you know have atleast 1 post op appt before you leave to ask all the questions you have and to make sure your incisions are healing. Have a number to contact incase you have a problem in Florida. I think you will be ok as long as you advance your diet appropriately.

 

[mitsukoshi samurai]

any attractions should you avoid?

 

[donnaf516]

any attractions should you avoid?

No sure but I'll be sticking to the mellow stuff just to be safe.

 

[bbjunkie]

Firstly, congratulations on your surgery and I wish you a speedy and healthy recovery! Also, have a great time watching your daughter perform at Disney; how fun! Knowing that it isn't possible to move the Disney dates, is it possible to postpone the surgery until early July so you don't need to worry about how you will react, recover, etc?

 

[donnaf516]

Firstly, congratulations on your surgery and I wish you a speedy and healthy recovery! Also, have a great time watching your daughter perform at Disney; how fun! Knowing that it isn't possible to move the Disney dates, is it possible to postpone the surgery until early July so you don't need to worry about how you will react, recover, etc?

Thank you for your well wishes! I truly appreciate it.

Postponing would be ideal but our insurance will be changing 7/1 and from what I'm hearing there's a good possibility that this type of surgery wouldn't be covered. I'm really afraid to take the chance since there's no way I'd be able to pay for it on my own.

 

[dsdeleon]

I am almost 1 year post OP VSG. In my case, I could have handled non commando touring a month out. The physical recovery was fine for me but I was mid-30s aged and a BMI of 38 on surgery day so not too too crazy. It was more trusting food that I didn't prepare myself and/or potentially overdoing portions. I remember going to our Six Flags waterpark about a month out and very slowly eating the inside of my son's chicken fingers. I think I was in the 2 bite stage (now it's a whole 8 bites haha). Anyways good luck with everything and of course everyone is different so take your doc's advice first and foremost.

 

[leebee]

Hey! I'm having gastric sleeve surgery on 5/26- maybe we'll have surgery on the same day! I have several friends who had bypass and they all took 2 weeks off from work, although a couple of them took the 3rd week. I think it you take it easy, you should be OK. Just remember to stay hydrated and keep your protein level up. My surgeons require liquids only for 2 full weeks post-surgery, but as others mentioned, if you think you are going to have an issue with hydration vs. protein, you might be best to keep a stock of protein drinks with you. Have you tried Syntrax Nectar? It's whey protein isolate, and they taste pretty good. If you go to their website (www.si03.com) and click on the "monthly special" you can order their sampler pack, which is 15 pouches of whey protein isolate, one in each flavor they make. Each packet makes an 8oz protein drink. You can mix them with water or skim milk; I like using almond milk. The 15 packet sampler is $15 plus $1.99 shipping, and it's a one-time deal. It might be easier to take the individual packets with you, so you only have to get some cold water or purchase some skim milk to make up the shake, instead of carrying liquids around with you all day (and trying to keep them cold). My favorite flavors are the strawberry, coffee, and pina colada... oh, and the grapefruit! Also, SlimFast makes a high protein smoothie powder that my nutritionist approved, and it's delicious! (it's not the regular SlimFast, and not the high protein SlimFast... it's the smoothie.) I buy this by the canister at my local grocery store. I just think you might be better off drinking protein instead of just drinking water, but of course check with your surgeon. Good luck- I'll be thinking of you!!

ETA- I know the walking is good for you and part of the program, but you might want to consider renting an ECV for a day or two- like maybe the day your daughter dances (or the day before), so you don't get too awfully worn out and can really enjoy this special event in her life! Don't rent it for too long or become dependent on the ECV, but really pay attention to what your body is telling you and how your stamina is. This trip is going to be about balance!

 

[Julylady]

I Had gastric sleeve surgery four years ago today! I was 55 years old. At three weeks after surgery I was back to work but not back to full speed. Protein drinks don't need to be refrigerated. In fact, I had to have everything at room temperature for several months. The most important thing at that point will be getting in your minimum amount of protein and water. That was a real struggle the first 30 days after surgery. Make sure you get a referral for a bariatric surgeon in Florida in case you need follow up care. It's not at all unusual for people at that point to need to visit the emergency room for dehydration issues.

 

[kandb]

If possible try to postpone the surgery. You just don't know how your body is going to react and being on vacation is tiring and you don't want to not feel well. Good luck!

 

[donnaf516]

Hey! I'm having gastric sleeve surgery on 5/26- maybe we'll have surgery on the same day! I have several friends who had bypass and they all took 2 weeks off from work, although a couple of them took the 3rd week. I think it you take it easy, you should be OK. Just remember to stay hydrated and keep your protein level up. My surgeons require liquids only for 2 full weeks post-surgery, but as others mentioned, if you think you are going to have an issue with hydration vs. protein, you might be best to keep a stock of protein drinks with you. Have you tried Syntrax Nectar? It's whey protein isolate, and they taste pretty good. If you go to their website (www.si03.com) and click on the "monthly special" you can order their sampler pack, which is 15 pouches of whey protein isolate, one in each flavor they make. Each packet makes an 8oz protein drink. You can mix them with water or skim milk; I like using almond milk. The 15 packet sampler is $15 plus $1.99 shipping, and it's a one-time deal. It might be easier to take the individual packets with you, so you only have to get some cold water or purchase some skim milk to make up the shake, instead of carrying liquids around with you all day (and trying to keep them cold). My favorite flavors are the strawberry, coffee, and pina colada... oh, and the grapefruit! Also, SlimFast makes a high protein smoothie powder that my nutritionist approved, and it's delicious! (it's not the regular SlimFast, and not the high protein SlimFast... it's the smoothie.) I buy this by the canister at my local grocery store. I just think you might be better off drinking protein instead of just drinking water, but of course check with your surgeon. Good luck- I'll be thinking of you!!

ETA- I know the walking is good for you and part of the program, but you might want to consider renting an ECV for a day or two- like maybe the day your daughter dances (or the day before), so you don't get too awfully worn out and can really enjoy this special event in her life! Don't rent it for too long or become dependent on the ECV, but really pay attention to what your body is telling you and how your stamina is. This trip is going to be about balance!

Thanks for the info! I'm definetly going to look into Syntrax Nectar. I'm having a problem with so many of the protein shakes. Some are sooo thick and sweet, gross!

I haven't ruled out the posibility of needing an ECV for a couple days, but I'm leaving that as a last resort. Good luck with your surgery! I can't wait to get my exact date.

 

[donnaf516]

I Had gastric sleeve surgery four years ago today! I was 55 years old. At three weeks after surgery I was back to work but not back to full speed. Protein drinks don't need to be refrigerated. In fact, I had to have everything at room temperature for several months. The most important thing at that point will be getting in your minimum amount of protein and water. That was a real struggle the first 30 days after surgery. Make sure you get a referral for a bariatric surgeon in Florida in case you need follow up care. It's not at all unusual for people at that point to need to visit the emergency room for dehydration issues.

I don't know why I was thinking they have to be refrigerated. I do like them better cold but I know that can change after surgery.

 

[donnaf516]

If possible try to postpone the surgery. You just don't know how your body is going to react and being on vacation is tiring and you don't want to not feel well. Good luck!

Unfortunately postponing the surgery isn't an option. That would have been my first choice.

 

[ttintagel]

I wonder if it might be worth it to rent a Rollator for your trip. It's like a walker, but it has wheels and a built-in seat. The two major advantages are being able to take some of the weight off your feet, and being able to quickly sit down wherever you are when fatigue hits, whether there's a nearby seat or not. That would make it easier to get in all the walking you want to do while also making it easier for you to rest when needed.