Hi...

I am not afraid to fly, but I am afraid of being the biggest one on the airplane. Please think good thoughts and pray I don't have to squish myself up against someone I don't know for two or three hours. I can use all the prayers I can get. Thanks!

Rebecca

(((Hugs))) I am always the biggest person on the plane. I actually stopped flying all together because it caused me so much stress and I cant afford to buy 2 seats.

I hope everything goes smoothly for you. I will keep you in my thoughts and say an extra prayer so that you have a safe and friendly flight. I hope you dont have to squish!

Thanks so much, Jen. You have been a very encouraging spot in my life the last few days. It is nice to have someone to talk to. Have a great week!

Rebecca

I'm scared of flying but at least now I know that since I'm smaller than I was, I *must* fit into the seats better than I used to. Good luck on the plane!

I fly once or twice a year and was always uncomfortable. Last time I didn't need a seatbelt extender, but was still uncomfortable in my seat. I'm going to Florida in 3 weeks and I hope to be a bit more comfy, but for some reason the fat does not want to leave my ass, so it is still kind of big

I used to worry about that but even when I traveled at 325 lbs I was never the biggest person on the plane. Also, even though I am pear shaped and carry quite a bit of weight in my hips and thighs, I never had to buy 2 seats. I did, however, need a seatbelt extender but what I always did was board early (with those who need extra assistance) so that way I could ask for the extender as I board the plane without having to do it in front of a plane full of people. It helped me feel much more comfortable with the situation.

I always get an end seat so at least the top part of my arm can stick out. I always pray a skinny person will be in the middle seat!! I never needed an extender but it came very, VERY close. I pray that no one is seated next to you and if someone must be that it's a skinny mini!

Enjoy your trip, you deserve to get away!

I fly about twice a year and usually had to ask for a seat belt extender. One of my favorite NSV was when, in March, I flew to Illinois to see my sister and nephew and I did NOT need an extender!! I am flying to DC next month on a different airline (so possibly a different make of plane) and I am looking forward to seeing how I fit in the seat!

Good luck everyone!

I cannot tell you the amount of times I have flown in the past 10 yrs without being being buckled up. I know its unsafe and stupid..... but I was always too embarrasssed to ask for an extender. Even my husband offered to get it for me when we traveled together. It amazed me I never got "caught". But I guess I was pretty slick...being strategic in my arm (enter the word purse, book, magazine, blanket) placement so no one noticed. Doesnt say much for the airlines tho.

However my defining moment came last summer. August 1 2010. I had to fly to California on business. It was a Southwest flight and while I never ran into this problem before... the guy at the gate told me there was a problem with my ticket and I needed to get out of line. Long story short they werent going to let me fly unless I bought a 2nd seat. I was so devistated. I didnt end up having to purchase a 2nd seat... but they re wrote my ticket like I had 2 seats.... I was the last one on the plane and they stuffed me in the last row..... on that flight and the one going home I had a reserved sign on the seat next to me and an extender provided by the airlines. It was the most embarrassing thing that had happened in 50 years of walking this planet.

I knew that day my life would need to change. I was banded in December.

I have flown 3 times since then and just last week on a flight to Dallas I almost cried tears of joy when I heard the sweet sound of the seat belt clicking.... and it was mine!

I cannot tell you the amount of times I have flown in the past 10 yrs without being being buckled up. I know its unsafe and stupid..... but I was always too embarrasssed to ask for an extender. Even my husband offered to get it for me when we traveled together. It amazed me I never got "caught". But I guess I was pretty slick...being strategic in my arm (enter the word purse, book, magazine, blanket) placement so no one noticed. Doesnt say much for the airlines tho.

However my defining moment came last summer. August 1 2010. I had to fly to California on business. It was a Southwest flight and while I never ran into this problem before... the guy at the gate told me there was a problem with my ticket and I needed to get out of line. Long story short they werent going to let me fly unless I bought a 2nd seat. I was so devistated. I didnt end up having to purchase a 2nd seat... but they re wrote my ticket like I had 2 seats.... I was the last one on the plane and they stuffed me in the last row..... on that flight and the one going home I had a reserved sign on the seat next to me and an extender provided by the airlines. It was the most embarrassing thing that had happened in 50 years of walking this planet.

I knew that day my life would need to change. I was banded in December.

I have flown 3 times since then and just last week on a flight to Dallas I almost cried tears of joy when I heard the sweet sound of the seat belt clicking.... and it was mine!

I am flying cross country is a couple of months and actually looking forward to it - since the last time I too was too embarrassed to ask for an extender and acted like I was belted. It is one of the things that I hated the worst about being overweight because nobody wanted to sit next to me. Now I don't care where I sit - I know I'll fit. And if I have a heavier person beside of me, I know exactly how they feel.

Good luck on your trip and look forward to your future of "friendlier" skies. No extenders - no looks - no extra ticket.

Oh boy do I remember those days! 3 years ago I flew out to Nebraska and down to Nashville, TN and need a seat belt extender. I hated having to ask for it, and even with it I barely got it buckled. That was the last time I flew until just last month. Last month I flew to Florida with my new hubby on our honeymoon, and couldn't believe it when not only did the seat belt buckle with ease, it needed sufficiently tightened! I fit easily into the seat, could put down the tray table without problems and flew very comfortably (well, physically at least...I'm a very nervous flyer). You will be fine! Have a safe and happy trip!

I cannot tell you the amount of times I have flown in the past 10 yrs without being being buckled up. I know its unsafe and stupid..... but I was always too embarrasssed to ask for an extender. Even my husband offered to get it for me when we traveled together. It amazed me I never got "caught". But I guess I was pretty slick...being strategic in my arm (enter the word purse, book, magazine, blanket)

placement so no one noticed. Doesnt say much for the airline tho.

I've flown a couple times not buckled. Just put my sweatshirt over my lap with the belt going under it to pretend I was. I too was embarrassed. I hate to say it, but if a plane crashes, a belt is not gonna save you. Last time I flew it fit but I think there was only a tiny bit of room. I'm flying in 3 weeks and I'm hoping for plenty of space since I'm sown like 30# since the last time. I'm hoping I'll fit more comfy in the seat as well.

The thing I'm worried about is security. I know it's gotten tighter since I last flew and I'm going through JFK a major airport. I'd heard about now terrorist are implanting things in them. If for some reason I get a pat down or something and they feel my port. It's easily felt, what's gonna happen? Should I ask my surgeon for a note just in case? I have an appointment next week. It kind of concerns me

The last time I flew I had to do the full body scan...I was wondering if I would get questioned about my band but no one said anything. I wouldn't worry about it Jess.

You should be fine. The new airport security isn't as big of a deal as the media makes it out to be, it just takes a little longer and is a little more of a nuisance than it used to be. When my hubby and a I flew to Florida for our honeymoon, he had to go through the full-body scanner and it took like 10 seconds. He also had to have a pat-down because they thought there was "something in his pocket" and it was no big deal, took a few seconds. On our way back to PA, I set off the alarm going through the metal detectors and they had to swipe my hands for residue, took a minute to process and I was on my way. I think if anything the metal detectors and scanners are a lot more sensitive than they used to be. You shouldn't have any problems. Enjoy your trip!

It was really scary flying yesterday. First, I was at the very back of the plane, next to last seats. Second, it was so hot and the airplane had no air until we got under way. Third, every seat was full. Fourth, when I got there I saw the middle seat was filled with a large man. I got him to let me in, then he got in and I was pushed into the wall. Another large man came and sat beside him on the aisle, so all of us were the biggest people around. I spent a couple of hours sitting as close to the wall of the plane as I could get and kind of sideways. It was pretty turbulent, so it wasn't the greatest flight. Flying into Boston, we ran into bad storms.

Anyway, I did pretty well. I had to ask for an extension because it wouldn't meet by about two inches. The flight attendant was very discreet and did not make me feel bad. I have always had good experiences on U.S. Airways.

The scanner was no bid deal. I have my lap band and four titanium cages from surgeries in my back and I had no trouble so don't worry.

Thanks for all the great responses.

Rebecca

I'm not really worried about the scanner, since it's not technically an x-ray, it can't see inside your body so it should not be able to detect your lap band. It should only outline your body. I'm hoping I'll pass through security without a hitch.

When I was flying a couple years ago, I got pulled out of line for a random pat down. I wanted to say, do I look like a terrorist, but I figured that wouldn't be a good idea, so I sucked it up and moved on.