Receiving all sort of conflicting information on air travel after lap band. I have not have my lap band done as yet. I attended my seminar and was discouraged to find that I may have trouble on my flight back to New Zealand in mid October. I was hoping to get the band done in July but everything is on stall until I get this issue resolved. Also care in the event that I do have constriction as I understand this is minimal in New Zealand. I desperately need knee replacement surgery but I am still 90 lbs away from safe surgery wish it was sooner and safer now. But I can still smile and live the day I have. If anyone can give me any insight into this situation of when it is safe for air travel, etc. Please, Please do as I am doing my research before I cross the option off.

maybe @@JustWatchMe can help you, since she recently traveled and was somewhat newly banded.

Hi @@AllieBB,

I was 9 weeks post band and 17 days past my first fill when I flew to Italy. I was worried about feeling too tight because your feet and hands and yes, your organs swell when you fly. My surgeon's office said I would be okay but to be safe I may want to plan nothing but liquids half an hour before, during and after my flights.

I was fine. I even got hungry enough to eat the in flight meal vvveeerrrrrryyyyy slowly and chewed thoroughly. No tightness at all and I was fine.

I also had an incredible time and loved every moment of the trip. Just speak to all of your team and get some tips and pointers before you go.

Also, I was fully healed at nine weeks out so that wasn't an issue.

Extra restriction when flying is a little overdone imo. I've had fills and flown within 30 days and felt nothing. Even if you're extra tight before the flight the downside would be no drinking for the time you're in flight?

And honestly, few people ever find they're too tight in just 4 months post surgery unless they're getting fills under fluoroscopy

I was banded in Mid-Nov w/ 3 small fills since then, my dr is very conservative. I flew from Florida to Las Vegas in Mid-April then drove back to Fl 20 days later. I felt no restriction from my band whatsoever. No different to me than being at home. I have lost 53 pounds and was thrilled on my flight to no longer need a seat belt extension. I have over 100 lbs yet to go but kn with progress. No problems flying.

I fly all the time and cannot tell any difference at all....and I know my band very well......I just got back from Phoenix...and nothing!

Of course, just keep them gin and tonics coming.....

I flew 6 days post gastric sleeve from mexico back home in nz.