Question:
How long after open Rny can I drve?

I am having surgery about 300 miles from home and have no one to pick me up, I am planning to check into a full service hotel untill I can drive. How many days from the surgery could I drive for 5 hours?    — Greg S. (posted on November 14, 2001)

November 14, 2001
I asked the same question at my pre-op testing yesterday and they said the no driving rule was based on the pain killers, and as soon as I was off them, I could drive, and fr most people that's around two weeks. They are narcotics, so they don't want you to drive. However, if I remember correctly from Vicodin I've taken in the past, it says only drive after you know what effect it has on you, so it can be a personal decision, but check with your doctor, as there may be other reasons too.
   — Deborah W.

November 14, 2001
I am almost 10 months post op and drove (or tried to) three weeks after my open RNY. Geez, was I sore! I had to get out of the house though but I was amazed at what ab muscles you do use for driving! Good luck!
   — Cindy K.

November 14, 2001
I went against doctor's order and drove 10 days after surgery, had no other choice cause I had no one but children to help me, but my mistake was when I pulled to close the car door I felt it big time...I thought I had pulled my stiches because when I returned home I was in so much pain that I had to take and pain pill and stay in bed all day. I quess the doctor was right!!! Anyway since you have no other choice, please be very careful...take it slow getting in and out of the car. Don't pull to close the door, ask for pain med that non drowsey in case you need it and rest every hour if you can. You shouldn't be driving at all.. but we all do things we shouldn't do...Good luck
   — blank first name B.

November 14, 2001
Hi Greg - Ihad an open RNY on 7/30/01. I drove - I'm guessing now - about 7-10 days after surgery. But - it was a very, very short distance. I was only driving my daughter to work in the same town in which we live. The biggest problem for me was I had no energy. In fact, in this probably 8-10 minute trip, I had to put the arm rest down for my arm because I just couldn't hold it up the whole time. When I went for my 2 week post-op to my surgeon, which is about a 25 minute trip, I had to ask my husband to drive me because it just seemed too much. I don't know how old you are (I am 53), but for me, getting my energy back was the greatest challenge. Other people, whom I met at the surgeon's, much younger, seemed to bounce back much quicker. So, it seems making a 5 hour drive might be very demanding. Please be careful and don't rush into it. I wish you much luck and success with the surgery and recuperation.
   — Nancy Z.

November 14, 2001
I drove to get out of the house at exactly 1 week post op. I was not on any pain meds. I drive a minivan and had a little trouble reaching out to get the door handle to shut it. Turning and bumps were also not much fun. However, I believe that if it meant that I was driving myself home, I think I could have done it a little sooner. Best wishes! Wouldn't it be cool if we could develop a support network that included driving post ops home? We could drive maybe 100 miles and meet someone else to drive the next hundred and so on. Just a dream, but I think it would be neat. Shelley
   — Shelley.

November 14, 2001
my Sister asked the Doctor this question on day 5 after a lap RNY distal I had the open RNY Distal on the same day... he said do you have a drivers license... we replied yes he said then drive when you want to..lol I love Doctor Paul Frye from Fresno, Californias sense of humor and he is a great surgeon..out of the 30 + friends who have went to him not one complication.. his telephone number is 559-449-3040 he does either Lap or Open perfers to do Lap out of all the people I know who had surgery two of us were open the rest he managed to do Lap given the choice choose Lap healing is so much faster.. so drive when you feel like up to it I would safely say Lap 4 days open 7 days and pull over and take a walk every 1/2 hour or so you can do what ever is nessesary .. you will surprise yourself just take your time and take a nap if nessesary in a parking lot..just lock the doors and make sure it is a safe place Kathy
   — Kathleen M.

November 15, 2001
The question isnt CAN YOU DRIVE but SHOULD you drive? You should never drive on any pain killers that cloud your judgment. Be responsible. Take a cab, call a friend, call the pastor of the church of your denomination, ask if there is any kind of service you can pay for. But be careful out there...AND BE RESPECTFUL OF OTHER LIVES. Have a happy journey.
   — Jackiis

November 15, 2001
Ahh, theres the question of safety and NO driving while on any pain meds. Then theres the matter of comfort... you have to feel well enough to drive. But more important theres the danger of blood clots, from prolonged sitting around. When you drive get out and walk at least once a hour for 10 minutes or so. Definetely tell your surgeon of your situation, he might put you on blood thinners and if he is like my surgeon require you to stay near the hospital till your 10 day or so appointment. If you had a complication its better to be near your experienced surgeon than a ER or hospita where they might not be familiar with you or your surgery. Normally I would say to fly, but right now I know I will not risk it.
   — bob-haller

November 18, 2001
I had lap rny on july 23,2001. I drove myself home from the hospital, just one hour after my last does of percocet. i felt like I had just drank three beers and was more afraid of poor judgement than pain or difficulty.
   — Courtney W.

November 18, 2001
Ahh... I advise against Courtneys driving herself home after surgery. Around here the hospital will not release you untill theres a licensed driver to take you home. Then too and not long ago someone did this , had a accident and were charged with DUI. Lost there drivers license over pain meds. I think they quit driving permanetely because there insurance became so expensive. For your safety and those of others NO driving while on pain meds... And remember post op RNY patients are very sensitive to alcohol. Better safe than sorry....
   — bob-haller

November 21, 2001
I wonder if perhaps you would be able to take a bus to and from your hometown to the town where you are having surgery? It would be much more relaxing for you, and healthier for your body. I am not sure your stomach muscles are going to be up to that far of a drive soon after surgery. Good Luck.
   — [Anonymous]

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