so to my amazement the body scanner at the San Francisco airport managed to pick up my lap-band. WOW it took about 10 mins of talking and pat downs to convince them i didn't have something on me. The strange part is the one in Phoenix either didn't pick it up or they didn't say say-thing.... are there cards we can carry in case this happens again?

Omg I didn't even think of this! I usually travel often for work but haven't been anywhere since my surgery at the beginning of the month. I guess I'll see next week when I head to NY. The band is all plastic though so it shouldn't make the sensors go off. That's strange. I'll see how it goes leaving Houston and then through NY.

I flew from Seattle to New York a few weeks ago, no problems at all , airport or otherwise.

I'm sure it wasn't metal detectors that set it off. We can see them on an x-ray when we go to the doctors, so those airport machines should be able to pick them up. I've not flown, but I have a card that shows I have a lapband, with my Dr's name and the date of surgery on it. I use it when I want to just purchase a kids meal at a restaurant.

I've flown many many times since being banded and I've never had any issue going through the scanner. My metal hips will set off some scanners but my band has never set anything off. I'll have to get some kind of note in case this ever does happen to me. Thanks for the heads up.

Strange there is no metal in it. Did the surgeon leave his retractors inside you?

It's not the metal detectors, it's the thing where you stand with your hands raised and it takes a picture of you naked....make sure you're not carrying bombs in your underwear, or elsewhere...

If your port is close to the surface, like mine is right under the skin, it will show as something under your clothes as something odd that should not be there....(the port...not the band)

It showed up once for me, that I know of, and to make a long story short after a few pat downs, wands, etc...they had me look at the screen and asked me "what is that?"

I simply said it is a surgical implant, an injection site....that satisfied them.

Edited September 20, 201411 yr by B-52

I'm sure it wasn't metal detectors that set it off. We can see them on an x-ray when we go to the doctors, so those airport machines should be able to pick them up. I've not flown, but I have a card that shows I have a lapband, with my Dr's name and the date of surgery on it. I use it when I want to just purchase a kids meal at a restaurant.

Me too!

I didn't have any problems at the airports while traveling when they did the scanners, however if you need a card tell your Doctor what happened & ask him to give you a card ,I have a appointment card that says Lapband on it & I keep it on me just in case of anything.

I have one & it's blank that is the one I carry.

I have a card that came with the actual lapband, with the serial number and a photo of its placement. It's a good idea to ask your surgeon for this card for many reasons, but mainly in the event of a recall! Although if you band's lot is recalled, it's likely your surgeon's office will contact you.

I've never had to explain my band, or the metal hardware I have in my ankle. But if I did have to explain, just showing the scars is usually sufficient with the TSA.

I have flown quite a lot in the past 7+ years (today even)and never had the band cause an issue. Thanks for the heads up in case it occurs though. I'll know why they are patting me down. It would help if they were young hunky guys oops

Went to Orlando over the summer didn't have any problems. Ready for my next trip in Dec.

My doctor provided me with an ID card.

I guess it depends on the airport made it through Boston today without a prob. Just glad to be on my way home :-)

Allergan will send you an official "I-have-a-Lapband" card. My doc gave me a welcome packet from Allergan and there was a postcard inside that you fill out and send in. The card also has "Please let me order from the kids menu" on the back. It's nice to have in case you ever need it.