[QUOTE=tejolote;11502970]

.....I'm of the opinion that if this hasn't killed me yet, then an 18 hour flight post surgery sure ain't gonna get me. ......[QUOTE]

Please ask your doctor here and your surgeon in Belgium if you will be cleared to fly. DVT and pulmonary embolism are very real concerns after surgery even without an 18 hour flight. Flying will greatly increase the possibility of both. You really don't want complications on a flight over the water with no possibility of a quick emergency landing. Death is a very real possibility with a PE.

You may also find that if you show up obviously post surgery the airline might want a physicians clearance for you to fly.