Flying, Cabin Pressure and the Band

[Drasan 23]

Has anybody had, or heard of, cabin pressure in an airplane affecting the band, the tubing or the port or all of the above?

I just got back from a trip and I'm having a lot of pain in the areas of my port, tubing and band. I'm wondering if there is any connection. If this has happened to anybody else, does the pain go away eventually?

I'm not sure if I should call my surgeon over this. Suggestions please?

[Cocoabean 430]

If in doubt and pain, CALL.

I've only read of people feeling tighter after flying, but really, if you are hurting, give your surgeon a call ASAP.

Keep us posted.

[bluezfan01 0]

I am going on a trip next week, I have a 14cc band and only have 4cc's of fill. Since I really dont have any restriction I am not worried about flying, I know that my doctor had said that they would remove the fill before a vacation. I was thinking since I didnt have any restriction I wouldnt get it removed, after you post I am wondering if I should make a call.....

[peprmentpati 8]

My NP at Fill Centers USA told me that the cabin pressure will affect your band. Her advice was to not eat 1 hour before flight, during flight, or 1 hour after your flight. You can drink, but don't eat.

[habby 0]

I fly every week with work. Have had the band since Jan 20 2010 with no issues.

[mandze90 0]

I flew in March 3 months after I had the band and on take off I swore I was going to die. The pressure by my port was crazy intense. I kept thinking did anyone field test the band in flight? Maybe because I ate before I got on the plane I don't know. Coming home was fine.

I just flew again last month and had no problems.

But I would call your surgeon if you are having pain, maybe it is from something else.

[TracyNYC 4]

I flew Memorial Day weekend about 10 days after a fill. I was tight already and probably should have had a slight un-fill. I had a rough time for about 2 days after each flight, but had been throwing up anyway, so am not too sure which it was. and.....the more I am rambling here, I realize I am not helping....I think it is a case by case thing.

[Cocoabean 430]

I have flown several times since being banded. I haven't had any troubles. I didn't even feel tighter, but several here on the forum have reported tightness after flying.

Generally cabin pressure is around 8,000 feet.

[Drasan 23]

Update

I put a call into my surgeon but probably too late in the day. I think his office had already closed. I still have pain but I'm not as concerned with it as I am with what might be causing it.

This wasn't my first flight since getting my band. I had a long flight 6 weeks after surgery, no fill. I had no issues, no problems. Now I'm 4 months out still with no fills but this time, like I posted, I'm experiencing problems.

I had never heard of problems with flying, not one word was mentioned to me, ever. So this has caught me by surprise.

It's helping me to get some feedback from everyone who has posted. Now that I think about it, it only stands to reason that the band, tubing and port could be affected by the air pressure in the cabin of a plane.

The rate of ascent and descent will affect the pressure in the cabin. The cabin is also pressurized differently, depending on the age of the plane. So it only stands to reason that we are all having different experiences, even from one flight to the next.

Thanks to all who have posted! To those just reading this, please add your two cents.

Edited July 20, 2010 by Drasan

[Drasan 23]

Another Update

Pain is gone today!

My surgeon called me first thing this morning and advised that I not eat 1 hour before flying and to not eat during flying from now on. I had no idea.

I hope this information helps other fellow travelers to avoid the possibilty of discomfort like, I experienced.

For those of you who are considering a band. Don't let this thread scare you. I still love my band and would not change my decision to have it.

Edited July 20, 2010 by Drasan

[adagray 1]

I'm so glad to have this information. I'm leaving for Hawaii in a week and never heard of the recommendation not to eat an hour before or during the flight. Anyway, I will skip the airplane meals. Not like its a big hardship! LOL I will bring some Protein bullets w/me instead. The ones I have are 2.9 oz so I think I will be able to get through security with them (I'll check ahead just to make sure).

[Cocoabean 430]

I'm so glad to have this information. I'm leaving for Hawaii in a week and never heard of the recommendation not to eat an hour before or during the flight. Anyway, I will skip the airplane meals. Not like its a big hardship! LOL I will bring some Protein bullets w/me instead. The ones I have are 2.9 oz so I think I will be able to get through security with them (I'll check ahead just to make sure).

You could have your doctor write you a prescription for them. Then I don't think TSA could stop you. They allow you to take larger quatities of prescription liquids. Even though what you are talking about is not a prescription medication, if your doctor said you had to have it with you due to a medical condition, TSA would be foolish to risk the lawsuit from not allowing you to bring nutrition on board.

Just a thought.

Edited July 20, 2010 by Cocoabean
Because I cannot type today!

[SVM10 6]

My doctor's office advised me not to eat 2 days before or after a flight. I was told I could drink fluids only during that time. I flew from Mississippi to California, stayed for 2.5 weeks (my brother lived on a steep hill-ears popped driving up and down to their house) and vice versa. I felt some port pain and discomfort while there and a couple days after I returned. I still don't feel the same as I did before I left, but the pain has gone away.

[GEAUXSAINTS 0]

I'm so glad to have this information. I'm leaving for Hawaii in a week and never heard of the recommendation not to eat an hour before or during the flight. Anyway, I will skip the airplane meals. Not like its a big hardship! LOL I will bring some Protein bullets w/me instead. The ones I have are 2.9 oz so I think I will be able to get through security with them (I'll check ahead just to make sure).

What are the Protein bullets? I'm leaving on a trip next week. Thanks for any info.

[Brighton Belle 0]

The Paul O Brien book says if you have any bubbles of gas in your band then you might find they expand in the lower pressure, but when you land you go back to how you were.

So they recommend you eat or drink carefully to see what happens but say most people have no problems.

I have flown within the UK and Europe with no problems at all and am in the green zone - ie good restriction.