Question:
I'm having lap band surgery on June 26th. When can I begin driving again?

Not only would I like to hear about driving, but also about getting around in general. I don't have many people to help me with things so I need to plan well. Is the recovery painful? Thanks, Susan    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on June 20, 2007)

June 19, 2007
Susan, I was driving 4 days post op. The first 6 days post op were the toughest for me. Take your pain meds and walk, walk, walk. Rebecca Biles
   — R. biles

June 20, 2007
Susan - I had surgery mon 6/18 at 1330 and am at work today, wed 6/20. today is the first day I have driven. Definately the day of surgery is the worst and my daughter was there for tuesday....but my doc said don't let people wait on you - do it yourself. It keeps you moving and that makes the air they pump into you come out easier. I drove to work today. Of course, I did not take my pain med and only gas x - so i'll see how long I can last. Carlotta
   — CDJ

June 20, 2007
The previous writers are my heros.I did not drive for 3 weeks.Part of the problem was turning/twisting to get in and out of my car.I would not suggest driving while under the influence of pain medication.It's a gradual process to start driving again.I would be out shopping and would become exhausted after just a little while. Had I had to drive myself home, it woulld have been difficult/uncomfortable. Follow the advice of your surgeon and best of luck to you.
   — purnellj

June 20, 2007
Jessica wrote my post. Huzzah for people who can drive straight out the gate. It was at least 3 weeks for me, too, and it was the twisting motion. Same thing that kept me sleeping in my recliner. Do you have a recliner, Susan? Mine was a Godsend. I didn't think the recovery was *especially* painful, but it was my only surgery and I have nothing to compare it to. Getting up and down the first few days was pretty rough, but that's why they make Lortab. :) Best of luck! I'm very excited for you!
   — Jeanie

June 20, 2007
Hi I had lap band surgery on May 29th and I went back to work the third day after surgery, the most uncomfortable part of recovery for me was the gas, if you walk walk walk it helps with the gas. I only worked 4 hours a day for 2 days and then back to normal. I did get a wound infections so that has been the most annoying part of the surgery. I am doing well 3 weeks out. No pain really to speak off. Good luck to you. Cathy M
   — baemkkgrandma

June 20, 2007
First let me say good luck to you...and congrats! If you want to start out right, get up in the hospital as soon as you can. I had my surgery, came out of recovery, and asked how soon I could walk. I asked for help getting up right away, then got myself up as often as I could that night. I walked, I drank fluids, I walked some more! I was released the next day, and I was driving 4 days out (my doc wanted me to wait a week). I only drove because it was a necessity, and of course I was not taking any pain meds. I'll be honest with you, I could have driven sooner...or at least I thought I could have. My first trip out was tiring, and the simplest thing like a bumpy road did hurt! I went back to work 5 days post op to do payroll, then back full time in only two weeks, with lifting restrictions. I was going nuts being at home, and didn't like being dependant on others. In hindsight, I think I should have used all the time I had available! In the first days out, water and walking will be your new best friends!
   — Karrie W.

June 20, 2007
I started driving at day 4 (so I could go back to work). I have an office job so that part was easy. The first couple days after being at work all day, the drive home was moderately painful from the bumps in the road. I would have bee nbetter off waiting a couple more days. I got around fine otherwise.
   — Donna O.

June 20, 2007
Susan, you should not drive on pain meds, so when you stop them you can drive. Pain is a very personal thing, so hopefully you have the will to stop pain meds quickly. Also you will get around just fine with the lap band. My surgeon had lap band done and was at work back to surgery the next day. How strong is your will? Use it! Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

June 24, 2007
I drove the next day after I was out of the hospital -- it will all depend on how you feel. I asked my surgeon if it was okay for me to drive and he said if I felt like it. Doing so got me up and out of the house and kept me moving --which we need to do after surgery anyway.
   — the7thdean

Click Here to Return