I am going to be flying to Africa in June for three weeks. This is my fist flight anywhere. Does having the band make it difficult? Also my doctor mentioned taking the fluid out of my band before I go. It has taken me a year to just now get to the right spot and I don't want them to take any out. What do you think? Any thing that might make any of this easier?

What are you going for? My husband is president of an organization that helped to build a school and feeding center in Kenya and I go with him every couple of years on his summer visit over there. I know that when I go I will have the fluid taken out because much of the food over there is not really band friendly. Of course it depends on where you are going an d for what reason. We are in a lot of situations where people offer us food and it would be a huge insult not to eat the food they prepared, so that is factoring in my reasoning. If you were going to be at a resort like for safari or something and had more control over your food choices that may be different. I know when we have been on safari that the resorts have a large variety of food choices. I hope that helps and have a great time on your trip!

I have flown to South Africa from Australia a number of times and never had any problems. It actually surprises me that your Dr wants to take your Fluid out before you go as an empty band is more likely to cause problems in flight. The air in an empty band can expand in the air whilst if it has saline in it the saline does not expand.

Where in Africa are you going? If it is to a 1st world country like South Africa I would not have the fluid removed. If it is one of the 3rd world countries then I probably would consider having the fluid taken out because I wouldn't want to risk having a blockage, their hospitals would have no idea how to take the fluid out and you wouldn't want to risk them using a dirty needle.

Some drs believe that you have to have the Fluid taken out just to fly - mine thinks it's unnecessary. I don't think the altitude will have any effect on your band. Now, when it comes to the food in Africa, I might just have it removed to be on the safew side, as elcee said, if something happens there, they might not know what to do. I hate the thought of emptying out my band only to slowly have it filled again. Good luck!

Marci

Yes, I flew last week and had no problems. I definitely would not have it unfilled just for the flight. I was specifically thinking of the food. To echo elcee it all depends on where you are going.

We are going to Uganda for missions. I will also be traveling with a RN. I just really don't want to start all over. I feel like its going so slow as it is. But the food thing worries me a little. Or the getting sick because of the food. I never get sick so I don't know how my band would react to it.

Have any of the people you are going on the trip with been to where you will specifically be going in Uganda before? If so, you could ask them for a list of the different types of food you will be eating. Where we go in Kenya, we have mostly rice and a little bit of veggies and some type of mystery meat. So, that is why I will have at least some of the Fluid taken out of my band before I go. Many times in Kenya the people who provide the food take great pride in what they have prepared you and so it is really rude not to eat the food. I think if you can find out more information from your team leader you will be able to make a more informed decision. If the food is prepared at a hotel or a guest house mostly it may not be as concerning since you will have more control over what you choose.

BTW I have never gained weight on a mission trip, even pre-band. You will find that in countries like Uganda and Kenya they have much more conservative portion sizes and processed foods are hard to come by. So you will mostly be eating veggies, a little bit of meat, fruit, etc...I hope this helps.

I am from East Africa and have visited post banding and will be back again in a few months. The suggestions offered were great and I just wanted to add some points.

I carried my protein shake powders and my shaker bottle and this took care of most of my breakfasts. I also packed a few protein bars for snacks. It sounds like you may be visiting rural areas so grab and go foods may suit you best. Also there are a variety of soups that are available as poultry and beef are expensive and aren't served regularly but this as mentioned depends greatly on your living arrangement. Tea which comprises of milk and boiled water is common at breakfast & in the evening. Fish is a staple and that too can yield some soup. Fruits and different types of nuts aren't a bad option either as they are ready to eat. If you are doubtful i would suggest to carry some canned soups and/or veggies and fish and only indulge in food that you are familiar with. I have not had any problems and i wish you the best. Please remember to drink only bottled water and ensure that the lid has a safety seal.

Safe travels and stay blessed.

If I was going to Uganda I would probably get my band emptied. They do not have the worlds best hospitals and I would be too scared that I could have an issue. I agree you are likely to be given fish but fish in Africa is not necessarily what you are used to. There is a possibility it could be dry and I find that some types of fish get stuck quite easily. Meat is likely to be goat and unless that has been slow cooked it can be very tough. They also eat things like samp and beans and maize meal porridge. These are similar in consistency to mashed potatoes or gluggy rice depending on how they are cooked so these could also be problematic. If you are not going to get an unfill before you go make sure that the RN you are travelling with knows how to take fluid out if necessary and take your own needles. Even if the RN knows how to remove fluid in theory she may not be able to do it in practice - I had a surgeon(not bariatric) that couldn't do it when I ended up in the local emergency dept here in Aus.

If your port is easy enough to access a RN could likely do it. It's not that different from an infusaport that chemo patients have. Not making any recommendations--just saying. I will be going to Haiti in may and leaving whatever fill I've had in the band.

I am going to be flying to Africa in June for three weeks. This is my fist flight anywhere. Does having the band make it difficult? Also my doctor mentioned taking the Fluid out of my band before I go. It has taken me a year to just now get to the right spot and I don't want them to take any out. What do you think? Any thing that might make any of this easier?

Remember the port requires a special needle! I would ask your doctor for one in the event the nurse needs to remove fluid.

I am kinda nervous about my trip to Fiji in October. I am prob going to be @ goal by then, fingers crossed, but I plan to have a slight unfill if I'm still as tight as i am currently.