Driving

[Allisharb]

Hello sleevers...

Just wondering how long it took after surgery for you to feel well enough to drive? I am driving to my friends house the day before my surgery and leaving my car with and thought I may pick it up about a week after surgery?

Does this sound realistic?

[ElleMarie]

How far is it to your friend's house? If it is a few minutes drive I would agree that if you go during off peak driving times you will be fine. A long drive or tough traffic I would give it a few more days to be sure. I was driving after 5 days but it was local and quick. Your energy level can plummet quickly for no apparent reason after surgery.

[Lglow]

After sugery my doctor said to wait to drive only b/c he sent me home with medications that had narcotics in them. I was instructed to wait a few days after using the narcotics (percocet) for the effects to wear off so I was alert. I did not use them after leaving the hospital but did use tylenol liquid b/c the pain was minimal but waited about week to drive after coming home from surgery.

[Rae]

I had surgery on Wednesday, got out of the hospital on Thursday evening, and Friday I drove my son to the bus stop because it was raining. By Sunday I was driving within my city without problems except I had to stop to get some liquid calories (chocolate milk) between church and the places my son wanted to go. By Wednesday I was driving my commute which is 2.5 hours a day without any problems. I didn't use anything for pain after leaving the hospital. I think its up to how you are actually feeling and how much you are able to get in your system because you can suddenly 'run out of gas' so make sure your calories are ok before attempting. I had lots of energy and actually went shopping on the way home from the hospital. I have a high tolerance of pain and felt wonderful after surgery. That's not always the case though... plan accordingly and you can always go get the car earlier if you feel you are up to it.

[NatalieAnn]

i had my surgery on monday and was driving by saturday or sunday.

[Grace]

I agree it matters how far. I drove to the groc store with hubby in the car 7 days after.
I drove to get my drain removed 9 days after surgery, over an hour in each direction. Then I slept for 2 days....
I have a low tolerance for pain and get tired easily, surgery or no.

[Tracy's Place]

I was Sleeved Wed. Oct 19th...out of the hospital Friday...stayed in a hotel Friday and Saturday. Spent a few hours with a friend, we drove around San Diego for a few hours, he drove. Then I was at the airport for hours. At 10:00 pm I was done flying and spent the night at a motel. Next morning (Monday) I left at 6 AM and drove 4 hours home. I stopped once along the way to go to the bathroom. Once I got home I showered, visited my kids at school and then went home and napped for a couple of hours. The next day I went back to work. I am a school secretary of a very small school so work is not demanding.

But again it is what your body tells you that you can do. Best wishes to you on your new journey!!

[yankegal]

went to Mx for surgery, flew back to Atlanta, stayed in a hotel the night next morning got up and drove 3 hrs home. I wasn't on any meds. so I was fine. but after a wk i had less energy so I took it easy and only did driving around town then home. it wasn't a problem.

[Susan Y]

I was told I could drive as soon as I stopped taking the pain medication. Since I never took any pain medication (except 2 Tylenol) , I started driving the day after I came home.

[Allisharb]

How far is it to your friend's house? If it is a few minutes drive I would agree that if you go during off peak driving times you will be fine. A long drive or tough traffic I would give it a few more days to be sure. I was driving after 5 days but it was local and quick. Your energy level can plummet quickly for no apparent reason after surgery.

It's about a 20 minute freeway drive, I guess I will just have to wait and see how I feel, but considering I live alone, I would like to feel I can go out and get protein drinks and other essentials after about A week... I guess I should stock up, just in case....

[JustMe]

I had surgury on a Monday, out on Wednesday, and was told I could drive when I was off meds.... So since the meds made me "high" instead of sleepy, I quit the meds, was driving on Friday and back to work on Sunday and to the gym on Monday...

But listen to YOUR body! It will tell you!! But definatley DO NOT DRIVE when you are taking prescribed medications!!! It's not only against the law, you can kill someone without even knowing it!!!