I'm 4 years post op gastric sleeve. I've traveled via airplane this week for the first time since I had surgery.

When I left Thursday I had to be patted down due to an anomaly showing up on the scanner.

The same thing happened to me today going through security a little while ago.

I'm not wearing the same clothes as I was on Thursday so that's out. The tsa agent patting me down asked if I had ever had any abdominal surgeries. I told them I had.

Anyone else experience this? It kind of surprised me. I got to see the area in question both days and it's the exact same area on my body both times. Before anyone asked about surgeries, I was starting to feel this could be due to my sleeve.

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Once the body scanner sensed chemicals and I had to have a manual check. Immediately the agent knew it was my hair, as I had colored it the night before. Any slight anomaly can set those expensive multimillion dollar scanners off.

Edited June 26, 201610 yr by jea(n__n)ette

Last time was patted down I had on a skirt and it had a twist knot wrap layer thing in the front and that set the machine off.

I don't trust what 1/2 those TSA dudes use as excuses. Some of them are just trying to pull chicks out the line and talk to them. I've been told I was sexy in the airport more than any construction workers.

I have flown several times since my sleeve and have had no problem going through security x-ray machines.- Except for my umbilical hernia which must look like a bomb because every time I get patted down on my bellybutton

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Ouch, doesn't that hurt?

No it doesn't hurt but it is the next thing to get fixed. Just waiting to drop another 50 pounds.

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Fascinating thread. I too am frequent traveler with TSA pre check and global entry. My abdominal area has been patted down enough times to make me think it has to do with how my fat hangs (I'm still pre-op)

I have a medical device implanted. I can't go through any of that crap. I have to patted down.

@Tssiemer1- I really do hate that for you. Please don't do what this woman did. http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6B066W20101201

http://newsok.com/in-her-bra-panties-and-wheelchair-woman-passes-through-okc-airport-screening/multimedia/video/694556599001

Unless i am on a tight schedule i refuse the scanners or detectors for personal reasons so I get a pat down anyways.

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Last time was patted down I had on a skirt and it had a twist knot wrap layer thing in the front and that set the machine off.

I don't trust what 1/2 those TSA dudes use as excuses. Some of them are just trying to pull chicks out the line and talk to them. I've been told I was sexy in the airport more than any construction workers.

Reminds me of a season 4 episode of Orange Is The New Black, just don't bathe for several days or put some dabs of tuna fish juice behind your ear, you won't get selected for pat downs!

I flew a couple of days after surgery and the scanner showed something in my pelvic region. I flew again last week and the same thing. Now I know to expect a pat down. I'm looking into Pre TSA though. The times I've flown was with family who knows I had vsg but I normally travel with friends and I have not shared my surgery with them. I don't want to explain why I always have to be patted down now.

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It was my pelvic region both times last week too!!

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@Wolfgirl78@VSGButterfly404 - just reminds me of this story from Denver where two perverts conspired to molest guys...

http://www.denverpost.com/2015/04/14/sexual-predators-at-the-tsa/

I really hate this agency.

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s526x296/10320500_10152385977864216_7852533717159427012_n.jpg?oh=eaacfb7535560f8b9e30126ab98605e4&oe=57FC9368

But so do many. Was on packed train, there is this TSA guy, and no one will sit next to him. I strongly suggested that he get a job that doesn't involve molesting his fellow citizens.

Its the staples. I have been getting patted down more frequently in the past few months than right after surgery 10 months ago. Not sure if its heightened TSA screening or maybe the swelling has gone down and so the staples show up more now. It may be that we need a card for the TSA (I'm getting on the "Pre" list soon its only $85) just like some people get a card that will allow them to order off the kids menu in a restaurant.

@@OKCPirate

Both my pat downers were females at two different airports, Lafayette, Louisiana and Milwaukee, WI. They were both very professional. I got to see the results from the scanner and the area of concern, which was my pelvic area.

I have not flown since 1998 and all this TSA stuff is new to me. I had to practically study to learn what I could and could not take. Lol

All that being said I'm in law enforcement and know how to do a proper, professional pat down. If something has happened to me like in the stories you linked I would've definitely not been shy about reporting it.

I'm really having doubts as to if it is the staples, as my stomach and staples shouldn't be that far down! Lol.

I may not have an apron and use baby powder but I do have some lose skin in that area that I'm wanting to get plastic surgery on.

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@@Wolfgirl78 - I wasn't saying you were molested, I just said it reminded me of that story (though I have always wonder why my buddies very hot girl friend was ALWAYS pulled out for extra screening. Every single time.)

Just a reminder, despite their badges, TSA isn't law enforcement. If you have a problem, don't mess with them, get a REAL cop (abbreviated LEO on the frequent flyer sites). I fly way too much, and that agency is the pits.

I didn't think you were saying that at all, sorry for the confusion.

Yes, TSA are basically like security officers and not real law enforcement.

And despite my lack of flying, it does seem like they are pretty shady.

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