Someone may have asked this in another thread. I just can't find it.

I am taking a quick weekend trip and want to take ready to drink protein shakes and a couple protein bullets, but I don't want to check a bag. I have to leave my house at 4am. 2/12/10. Flight leaves at 6.

I was reading the liquid rules on the TSA site and it says people with medical conditions can have "liquid nutrition" that is greater than 3 oz.

Do you think I can get through security with the protein drinks if I have my lapband journey card that has my name and info about being banded with me?

Edited February 12, 201016 yr by Humming Bird

I researched this a while back and found that, because we don't require the Protein DURING the flight, they will not make exceptions to the liquid-volume rule for bariatric patients. If you need to take it with you, I'd plan to check a bag, or even send it ahead of myself so that it was at my destination when I arrived.

If you take protein powders, be sure they are in unopened containers, too. The Inspire Proteins at Bariaric Eating come in zipper bags that can be easily packed; they also have travel sized packets.

I tried to get them thru security in December and they tossed $40 worth of suppliments in the garbage. Even though there are supposed to be uniform rules, it is a hit or miss. If you want to be sure you make it thru with your suppliments, you are going to have to check the bag.

I have never tried to show the card to bring liquids in carry-on bags, but they are pretty strict about the no liquids requirement, so I wouldn't count on it. It's possible that you would get through, but is it really worth risking having them throw away your supplements? Once you're through the initial security, you can bring liquids that you purchase in the shopping areas onto the plane, so you could buy a protein shake from one of the convenience stores. Also, you are allowed to bring snacks through the initial security, so you could bring a protein bar, or you could bring protein powder and then add water after you get through security. If the protein bullets are less than 3 oz, I guess you could put them in zip-loc bags with toiletries.

I had a prescription from my doctor and carried on my liquids...but they were all protein shots, not shakes. the TSA guy had also had the lapband, so maybe i got lucky?

I researched this a while back and found that, because we don't require the Protein DURING the flight, they will not make exceptions to the liquid-volume rule for bariatric patients. If you need to take it with you, I'd plan to check a bag, or even send it ahead of myself so that it was at my destination when I arrived.

If you take protein powders, be sure they are in unopened containers, too. The Inspire Proteins at Bariaric Eating come in zipper bags that can be easily packed; they also have travel sized packets.

I am flying to Japan in a couple of weeks, and I was told that I do need the shakes during my flight. I was told I am not to eat anything during the flight, but since it is such a long flight (14 hours) I will need to have some nutrition while in the air. I could bring the powders, but I don't like them.

Also, I got a note on a prescription pad from my doctor saying that I am required to have liquid tylenol with me at all times. I had read that you can take up to 4 ounces of non prescription meds, but the liquid tylenol only comes in 8 ounces so that's why I got the note. Do you think it will work or are they going to toss it anyway?

I am flying to Japan in a couple of weeks, and I was told that I do need the shakes during my flight. I was told I am not to eat anything during the flight, but since it is such a long flight (14 hours) I will need to have some nutrition while in the air. I could bring the powders, but I don't like them.

Also, I got a note on a prescription pad from my doctor saying that I am required to have liquid tylenol with me at all times. I had read that you can take up to 4 ounces of non prescription meds, but the liquid tylenol only comes in 8 ounces so that's why I got the note. Do you think it will work or are they going to toss it anyway?

Hi!

Definitely get a specific note from your doctor for your Protein, on doctor stationery with a contact number, and you should be fine. Just be really nice, and ask to talk to a supervisor if they give you any trouble. Sometimes inexperienced people don't know the rules. Going to the FSA website and printing out their rules about this wouldn't be bad. Good luck on the flight- what an adventure!

(I'd still bring some powder as backup, though!)

I just emailed the TSA today about this subject. They are usually pretty prompt in getting back to you. Last time it took just one day. I'll post their response.

Melissa