I have read some older messages regarding airplanes. I am concerned about how the change in altitude could effect the lap band. I recently had my surgery on April 12th. I am going to fly from Los Angeles to New York and will be changing planes 1 time- which means up and down 2 times each way. I have heard some concerns about tightness- how bad is it. I will not have a fill until after I come back- it will be my first fill. I am not looking forward to any additional pain as I am still trying to get through recovery. Is there anyone who has some stories to share? :thumbup:

I traveled approx one month after surgery and had no problems. At that time, I hadn't had any fills yet.

I also traveled this week without any problems. It's been a year now since surgery and am at my "sweet spot". I think flying does make you slightly tighter. You just have to be real careful when eating and be gentle to yourself.

Good luck!

I did a big trip about 5-6 months after op - with 12 different flights in just over a month. (At one point there were 3 consecutive flights with quick transfers and 30+ hours in the air). I didnt have any problems with the band - was often a bit tight but ate on some longer flights. Did have one bad episode where I tried to eat, had two small bites, well chewed and then had 5 quick trips to the bathroom and needed anti nausea tablets to stop the slimming. Otherwise was fine. Perhaps just take a protein shake to make for yourself if it is going to be a long flight - just in case.

I traveled approx one month after surgery and had no problems. At that time, I hadn't had any fills yet.

I also traveled this week without any problems. It's been a year now since surgery and am at my "sweet spot". I think flying does make you slightly tighter. You just have to be real careful when eating and be gentle to yourself.

Good luck!

Thank you for your response to me. This site is awesome and is really helping me understand my lap band even more. When you get slightly tighter, did you feel it? I just got out of surgery 4 days ago and I have had a good amount of discomfort, am I to expect more when I go up and down in the air?

I did a big trip about 5-6 months after op - with 12 different flights in just over a month. (At one point there were 3 consecutive flights with quick transfers and 30+ hours in the air). I didnt have any problems with the band - was often a bit tight but ate on some longer flights. Did have one bad episode where I tried to eat, had two small bites, well chewed and then had 5 quick trips to the bathroom and needed anti nausea tablets to stop the slimming. Otherwise was fine. Perhaps just take a Protein shake to make for yourself if it is going to be a long flight - just in case.

Thank you for your reassurance. It sounds like it is best to go back to the Protein shakes at least while I am in the air. I think we are taking a red eye to New York, so that should not be a problem. Coming back we are leaving at 3 am CA time- so I don't think I will be eating much before the flight. What do you mean by taking anti nausea tablets to stop the slimming. What is the slimming? Also, did you feel any pain as you were ascending or descending? I really appreciate your help! :thumbup:

You may want to talk to your doctor prior to traveling. With just have surgery you are more at risk for blood clots and they may not want you to travel for at least a month after your surgery.

I've traveled a lot since I've had surgery and have no issues with the restriction due to the change and elevation.