My dr's office gave me a sheet with band tips. One was that the band can get tight on planes and they recommend not eating solids before, during or shortly after the flight.

I have a 6 hr flight from NY to Cali 3 weeks after surgery. I'm concerned bc you can't bring liquids through security so I can't bring my Protein shakes.

Does anyone banded have experience flying?

Do you skip eating food on the flight? Where do you buy the liquids? For this flight I can probably find *something* at an NYC or San Fran airport, but I worry if I travel somewhere more remote I won't have anything decent to drink to fill me up for a long period.

Looking for some advice and experience!

Thanks,

Meghan

How about bringing a packet of powder protein to add into a bottle of water you buy once you go through security.

If your doctor will give you a letter stating it is medically necessary, the TSA should allow it to pass through security; although it could be subject to additional security. And, it is really up to the TSA agent that screens you.

Formula, breast milk and juice for infants or toddlers are permitted to be brought on board the aircraft. As with other medically necessary liquids, travelers must tell the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that they wish to bring formula, breast milk and juice in excess of 3.4 ounces in their carry-on bag. These liquids are typically screened by X-ray, and formula, breast milk and juice in excess of 3.4 ounces will receive additional screening.

Thanks for the tips! I just re-read my instructions and it actually says a "generally clear liquid diet" before, during and a few hours after.

Does Water with Protein powder count as clear? (Probably not...)

Does anyone know any clear Protein drinks?

Maybe as long as the powder is well diluted, or I drink I thin shake (if I get medical approval for it), I would be fine.

They suggest this to avoid getting stuck, throwing up, etc while traveling and not being able to get Fluid out of the band. Seems like pretty safe advice.

Hey Megan!

I fly on a regular basis, at least once a month or more. This is what I find works for me. I take packets of protein POWDER with me. You can mix them into water, milk, smoothie etc. take an EMPTY water bottle with you to use after going through security. I also occasionally, buy yogurt sold at all airports now, and eat maybe half of it. If you don't have packets, make your own with snack size baggies. If you are flying anywhere "remote" in the US, there is at the very least, water fountains, mix your protein powder into your water & empty water bottle. On the plane you can bring it, and even ask for a cup of ice, juice or coffee to mix with it. If you snack, don't eat to get full, I find I really have to listen to my band. It's ok to let it make the decision, you won't starve to death in one day of travel :-) . You can do this! I usually have a protein smoothie the next day to start, and by mid afternoon, back to normal. I honestly don't know if it's altitude, band, or just don't travel as well as I think.. Maybe anxiety makes it tougher to eat?

Security is not an issue with the band- just in case you are worried about it!

Bon Voyage!

Thanks for the great experience tips Kitt! Very helpful. Good to know it's worthwhile to take it easy on the band while traveling.

I fly frequently...never had a single problem....that includes having a snack in the terminal before the flight, sometimes....only peanuts on the plane, plus a cocktail or two....

As far as hunger, for me, that's not an issue...but there's not much in the way of food on planes anymore anyway so you're in the same boat as everyone else.

I do read on this forum people having issues with flying all the time. So there must be something to it. But I have never experienced it.

Well, I'm flying next Tuesday, and I have a possible "fill" appointment on Monday. To be honest, I never considered if I should get a fill before flying......HMMM

I've flown with no problems at all. Everyone's band-sensitivities are different.

Don't remember doc giving me special flying instructions back in '09 when I was banded.

I'm pretty sure You can bring sealed, unopened liquids in your carry-on. Muscle Milk Protein shake is sold in most convenience & grocery stores pre-mixed. It's pretty good tasting & has a lot of added Vitamins in it. It's also what I buy for road trips. Easy meal, not messy & satisfying.

I've stopped at restaurant/lounge on layovers for cocktail & meal- unrestricted as to what I eat except for the quantity restricted by my ban. I make good, healthy food choices- usually lol.

They have some fairly healthy options at these places near the gates and also at this quick grab-n-go coffee shops w/ sandwiches, yogurt, salads, etc. One of these quick stops near the gate (forget the name) has smoothies, and you can ask to add a scoop of protein powder. THAT was a great find!

I think the issue with flying for bandsters is cabin pressurization. I've noticed when I bring a sealed Water bottle in carry-on, it looks "squeezed out"/ crumpled- sort of like when they squeeze plastic milk bottles- indented like- but more so in flight.

I imagine pressurization has a similar effect on the liquid-filled, plastic band.

It's never a good idea for banders to eat until full. It's probably best to keep it light in-flight. Another reason why I eat light is, I wouldn't want something to get stuck & have to run to ladies' room to purge- and (horrors!) miss my flight.

Thanks all for the feedback! Sounds like everyone's band is different. It's better to be safe than sorry, so I'm grateful to hear all experiences.