Five to six nights, a companion if possible, and a plan for the flight home that includes moving every hour.
Five to six nights: arrival and tests day one, surgery day two, 2–3 nights in hospital, then a final check before flying. Booking a tight return flight is the most common planning mistake.
Not medically essential, but valuable in the first days at the hotel when fatigue is at its worst. We arrange companion accommodation and they attend the dietitian briefing with you.
Compression stockings, aisle seat, walk every hour, sip water constantly and carry your medication and operative report in hand luggage. Airlines do not need to be informed for routine post-operative travel at day five.
Loose clothing with a high waistband, your usual medications with a list, a protein supplement for the journey, and a phone charger — the follow-up starts the day you land back home.
Many patients do. We arrange transfers and check on you daily at the hotel, but a companion makes the first 48 hours easier.