Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

I have to put this somewhere because it is really making me crazy!

We are going on vacation in 9 days: I am so afraid that the airline is going to stop me and make me pay for an extra seat: I think I am being silly: when I have flown before it hasnt happened: I am 36 pounds down from when I flew the last time: but I guess that I am much more aware of my size these days.

I am just worried about it ruining our family vacation.

Am I being silly?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I dont think you're being silly and I doubt it will happen, but on the off chance that it does, just remember that it will be the last time it ever happens. You're going to do great with your band and there will come a day when that thought won't ever cross your mind again. If anything it will cross your mind and you will smile and think "I'm so glad I don't have to worry about it anymore!" :smile2:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh Man I am so with you on that one. I have been flying to get my Dr. Appts/ fills and I was so worried. It worked out so far for me but it is tight. When I went on vacation a while back we had to fly on a small aircraft (the airlines are doing this to save money) I almost died when I had to get an seat belt extension. The thing is what kind of aircraft are you on? You can pm me if you want I am in the travel bz. I have lots of knowledge on the subject. This is one of the reasons I got banded. Dont worry to much by your ticker factor I think you will be just fine. pm if you want and try not to worry.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have flown at nearly 400 lbs, with seat belt extenders, and they have never charged me for an extra seat. I am over 80 lbs down now, and flew last week for the first time since starting this journey. No extender, and I had about 6 inches to spare once I snugged up the belt. Wow what a good feeling.

I think you will be fine, based on your ticker stats, and just think of all that you have to look forward to. Best of luck, hard work, and have fun on vacation.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Not going to beat around the bush. I think you are being silly. Relax! It's a vacation.

As Ken stated, people that weigh twice as much as you fly every day without issue.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you think you will need a seatbelt extender at all. You can ask for one at the gate...if they don't have one to give you you can ask the flight attendant as you get on the plane.....they will be discreet about it.

I have asked for one that last two times I traveled because being comfortable was better than being embarrassed.

But if you never needed it before ...you will probably be fine now.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I fly alot--I have never been asked to buy an extra seat--do not worry. I did, however, purchase my own seatbelt extension so that I do not have to ask the airline for one.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I fly alot--I have never been asked to buy an extra seat--do not worry. I did, however, purchase my own seatbelt extension so that I do not have to ask the airline for one.

Shamma,

After seeing your latest pics, I can safely say, "you can give your seat belt extender away now. You don't need it."

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you are flying w/your family, I don't see how/why they would ask you to buy an extra seat. You can put a family member on either side so even if you do overflow the seat a bit, your only getting closer w/your own family. LOL At my highest, I was very aware that I overflowed the seat a bit, but I would always seat one of my children next to me, lift the armrest, and share their seat a bit. Afterall, I paid for it!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The only airline I have ever heard really does this is Southwest... the antifat people airline,

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey only a couple airlines actually do that, and thats only when the plane is full. I work for an airline and fly all the time. No way im fitting in a seat...at least not yet. It sucks because i always choose a flight with the most empty seats even if its an inconvenience to me or my traveling companions just because i live in absolute fear of being stuck in a single seat in a full row! But just another reason in a long list why i chose this journey. I think this is something that we all think about while it would never cross the mind of someone that has never had to worry about it. have an excellent vacation and good luck with the band!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Shamma,

After seeing your latest pics, I can safely say, "you can give your seat belt extender away now. You don't need it."

Lol, thanks Bob--actually, I am a lot larger than I look--can't put it away yet but I am on the right track! I carry my own because some airlines do not have but a few on board--better safe than sorry!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

you are not being silly, you're just taking your precautions.....i don't think that will happen, so relax and enjoy your vacation with your family, show them how happy you are and smile to all those flight attendants:thumbup:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks everyone: I think I am nervous because it is Southwest that we are flying: but I have a 2 yr old, a 5 year old and a 7 year old flying with me & my husband: I guess any overflow will be with them! I am so happy that this journey will mean that I don't ever have to let my size stand in my way of an adventure: with 3 girls, that is a big part of why!

You guys rock!

Debbie

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My husband generally needs to buy two seats on Southwest when he flies (and if the flight isn't full, his money is refunded.) But, when we fly with family, the three of us take up a row, he puts up the arm and it works well with my son in the middle seat.

When he and I fly alone, however, and buy just two seats- it can be incredibly uncomfortable for me to sit next to him for a long flight. His back takes up part of my seat and he has to lean into the aisle, while I have to lean away from him. If it was a stranger sitting next to me I would be unhappy (frankly, I'm unhappy when it's my husband.). So I don't fault Southwest at ALL for having people buy two seats. They're not anti-fat- they just want all paying customers to be comfortable.

And when they *do* approach a person (this has happened to my husband), they are generally very kind (and are generally very embarassed) when they ask if someone will fit...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×