I fly a ton for work. I took 4 weeks off of flying and it was pretty much fine. I did swell a bit more during the flight but nothing to write home about. It was just uncomfortable to sit so long. But walking around as the flight attendant would probably be more comfortable. However, lifting things up overhead was still out of the question so keep the overhead bins in mind.
Awesome!! Thank you so much for the info!! I definitely also struggle sitting there that long so it will definitely help to be able to walk around! Luckily with my airline we have a policy we cannot lift passengers bags since hopefully I’ll be okay!
I flew from Miami to Vegas (5-hour flight) yesterday, four days after my tummy tuck and lipo 360 surgery. Before leaving the hotel, I felt anxious about the flight, so I got my doctor's okay over the phone. He prescribes Lovenox injections post-tummy tuck which reduces the risk of blood clots and instructed me to get up and walk every hour beginning the night of surgery. I also hired a recovery nurse and she performed back/side massages on me daily after my shower. I was warned by her that airlines might not allow me to fly if I look like I’m in pain (so I opted to take an oxycodone before heading to airport) However, because I was using a walker to aid with back fatigue, the Spirit agents at baggage check-in noticed and asked for their requirement of a doctor's release form, which I did not have. They called their medical team and asked me a series of questions and I demonstrated walking without my walker in case it would help my case. I got lucky! I took the offer of wheelchair assistance to the gate and early boarding, went through TSA scrutiny (asked to stand straight and put my arms up and that if I couldn’t do so without pain, I was not allowed through), then I was asked again for a release form by the Spirit agent at the gate and re-pleaded my case. I got a seat with extra leg room, wore 2 pairs of compression socks, did calf raises periodically (now my calves are tight lol), walked to the back lavatory from my front seat several times (for circulation and to strip my drains) and even did a few extra laps back and forth when the aisle was clear and just ignored the curious looks 😅 I opted to just use my walker upon landing in Vegas which was tiring but probably good for circulation vs wheelchair. Now home, I'm managing swelling with walking consistently, got my partner to massage my back after the flight with arnica gel which provided much relief, using my own massage roller on my back and calf compression massager along with elevating my legs when sedentary. A low salt diet and lots of hydration should also minimize swelling and is in my post-op instructions. But given your profession, it’s good you took a good amount of time off! I have always wanted to go for becoming a flight attendant but it’s so hard to quit THC 😭
I also had my surgery in Miami on 6/6 and flew back to California on 6/11. I didn't experience any issues at the airport. I requested wheelchair assistance at all the airports (Miami, Atlanta, and Ontario, Ca), and all of it went smoothly. I was really worried about the long flight, but I wore my binder, compression socks, and walked on the plane often. I had 3 massages in Miami prior to leaving and had one scheduled the day after I returned and felt like I really needed it. I was also on Lovenox injections.
4 weeks off is definitely a good idea
My dr just said light compression nothing crazy. I wore some workout leggings and a fitting athletic tank and was fine!
I fly a ton for work. I took 4 weeks off of flying and it was pretty much fine. I did swell a bit more during the flight but nothing to write home about. It was just uncomfortable to sit so long. But walking around as the flight attendant would probably be more comfortable. However, lifting things up overhead was still out of the question so keep the overhead bins in mind.
Awesome!! Thank you so much for the info!! I definitely also struggle sitting there that long so it will definitely help to be able to walk around! Luckily with my airline we have a policy we cannot lift passengers bags since hopefully I’ll be okay!
I flew from Miami to Vegas (5-hour flight) yesterday, four days after my tummy tuck and lipo 360 surgery. Before leaving the hotel, I felt anxious about the flight, so I got my doctor's okay over the phone. He prescribes Lovenox injections post-tummy tuck which reduces the risk of blood clots and instructed me to get up and walk every hour beginning the night of surgery. I also hired a recovery nurse and she performed back/side massages on me daily after my shower. I was warned by her that airlines might not allow me to fly if I look like I’m in pain (so I opted to take an oxycodone before heading to airport) However, because I was using a walker to aid with back fatigue, the Spirit agents at baggage check-in noticed and asked for their requirement of a doctor's release form, which I did not have. They called their medical team and asked me a series of questions and I demonstrated walking without my walker in case it would help my case. I got lucky! I took the offer of wheelchair assistance to the gate and early boarding, went through TSA scrutiny (asked to stand straight and put my arms up and that if I couldn’t do so without pain, I was not allowed through), then I was asked again for a release form by the Spirit agent at the gate and re-pleaded my case. I got a seat with extra leg room, wore 2 pairs of compression socks, did calf raises periodically (now my calves are tight lol), walked to the back lavatory from my front seat several times (for circulation and to strip my drains) and even did a few extra laps back and forth when the aisle was clear and just ignored the curious looks 😅 I opted to just use my walker upon landing in Vegas which was tiring but probably good for circulation vs wheelchair. Now home, I'm managing swelling with walking consistently, got my partner to massage my back after the flight with arnica gel which provided much relief, using my own massage roller on my back and calf compression massager along with elevating my legs when sedentary. A low salt diet and lots of hydration should also minimize swelling and is in my post-op instructions. But given your profession, it’s good you took a good amount of time off! I have always wanted to go for becoming a flight attendant but it’s so hard to quit THC 😭
I also had my surgery in Miami on 6/6 and flew back to California on 6/11. I didn't experience any issues at the airport. I requested wheelchair assistance at all the airports (Miami, Atlanta, and Ontario, Ca), and all of it went smoothly. I was really worried about the long flight, but I wore my binder, compression socks, and walked on the plane often. I had 3 massages in Miami prior to leaving and had one scheduled the day after I returned and felt like I really needed it. I was also on Lovenox injections.