Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!
$99 Yearly Supply Alert! 🎉 "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins

Flying East Coast to West Coast w/Pain & Self Pay?

Taylor5

Recommended Posts

Taylor5    98

Taylor5
Posted

Everyone has been really helpful to me so far. I am close to pulling the trigger on going to Mexico over Christmas for The Sleeve!!! We will be flying out of Philadelphia and into San Diego, and I am looking for others familiar with Trans Con flights especially in regards to comfort. I have herniated disks in my neck and lower back, sciatica, and Fibromyalgia. Normally I don't even travel by car for more than an hour due to pain. However, as I am self pay for the procedure, and things are not working out with my nearby facility, this seems to be my best next option - especially as I can purchase Complication Insurance that will cover me after I return home for 6 months, to have care in the US, not having to fly back to CA/MX.

I have been trying to Google as much info on airlines as possible. Am even willing to spring for business or 1st class (up to a point, can't spend more than about $3,000 total for me & my husband r/t) since the surgery cost is less in MX. I really need seats that recline, preferably have foot rests - would love ones that go totally flat, but seems they are either only out of JFK or transatlantic. Plus, any other experience you have pertaining directly to flying after being sleeved would be helpful as well, since I have no experience with that yet! Thank you!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Sparker7    35

Sparker7
Posted

I've flown quite a bit and the amenities you are wanting are definitely going to require first class. In a regular seat, there is next to no recline and barely room for your legs. There is almost no room for anything other than sitting straight up with your legs in the usual sitting position unless you are very short. I flew from the US to Malaysia that way. My suggestion would be multiple connecting flights with time between so that you can get out and move around. I have a bulging disc in my lower back, and would love a seat where I could just lift my feet up a bit. I'm flying to San Diego on the 4th and will be in the usual uncomfortable, cramped seat. I have a very high pain tolerance though.


Taylor5 reacted to this

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Taylor5    98

Taylor5
Posted

@Sparker7, yes that is what I figured. Trying to weigh pros and cons of multi stops such as collecting baggage/getting to new gate, etc. with having that ability to be up and walking around/switching positions for a while. I haven't flown since 2006, so I am really out of practice.

That high pain tolerance is a blessing, I used to enjoy that as well, but I over-did things and eventually a piece of disk broke off in 2006 & pinned down my sciatic nerve. I had to have a stat discectomy, which has been followed by 2 more back surgeries, and now have a fusion on the horizon because things never seem to go back to "normal" after a certain point. And I was at 135 lbs when I hurt my back, so being 70 lbs heavier is not helping!! Best of luck to you with your back and your surgery :)

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Sparker7    35

Sparker7
Posted

One thing that might make your decision on connecting flights easier, as long as it's all booked together as connecting flights and not individual flights, you don't have to deal with the luggage. That's all taken care of behind the scenes.


Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Taylor5    98

Taylor5
Posted

19 minutes ago, Sparker7 said:

as long as it's all booked together as connecting flights and not individual flights, you don't have to deal with the luggage.

Did not realize this, very good to know. Thank you!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Sparker7    35

Sparker7
Posted

Just check your bag, and they take care of the rest.


Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

A_new_sara    136

A_new_sara
Posted

3 hours ago, Taylor5 said:

Everyone has been really helpful to me so far. I am close to pulling the trigger on going to Mexico over Christmas for The Sleeve!!! We will be flying out of Philadelphia and into San Diego, and I am looking for others familiar with Trans Con flights especially in regards to comfort. I have herniated disks in my neck and lower back, sciatica, and Fibromyalgia. Normally I don't even travel by car for more than an hour due to pain. However, as I am self pay for the procedure, and things are not working out with my nearby facility, this seems to be my best next option - especially as I can purchase Complication Insurance that will cover me after I return home for 6 months, to have care in the US, not having to fly back to CA/MX.

I have been trying to Google as much info on airlines as possible. Am even willing to spring for business or 1st class (up to a point, can't spend more than about $3,000 total for me & my husband r/t) since the surgery cost is less in MX. I really need seats that recline, preferably have foot rests - would love ones that go totally flat, but seems they are either only out of JFK or transatlantic. Plus, any other experience you have pertaining directly to flying after being sleeved would be helpful as well, since I have no experience with that yet! Thank you!

If you fly Delta you can at least choose your seats, and I choose the exit row for the extra leg room

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Taylor5    98

Taylor5
Posted

1 hour ago, Sara Bronson said:

If you fly Delta you can at least choose your seats, and I choose the exit row for the extra leg room

Makes sense, thanks!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Berry78    4,261

Berry78
Posted

First class, nonstop would be my choice. You can stand up and walk to the bathroom during the flight... so that helps with stretching and changing positions. Catching connecting flights and layovers makes for a really long day.

If you really want an adventure, take the train in a sleeper car. Probably takes 5 days to get there though....

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Taylor5    98

Taylor5
Posted

12 minutes ago, Berry78 said:

If you really want an adventure, take the train in a sleeper car. Probably takes 5 days to get there though....

Yep, I checked already...4-5 days, and the total price was almost as much as a 1st class air ticket. Wouldn't mind a train adventure some day, but not to and from surgery, I don't think! Looks like we're doing 1st class. Damn shame I won't be able to eat anything good, but oh well, hardly the point, right? Omg, I'm gettin' sleeved!!!

Berry78 reacted to this

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

dcole007    21

dcole007
Posted

Yep, I checked already...4-5 days, and the total price was almost as much as a 1st class air ticket. Wouldn't mind a train adventure some day, but not to and from surgery, I don't think! Looks like we're doing 1st class. Damn shame I won't be able to eat anything good, but oh well, hardly the point, right? Omg, I'm gettin' sleeved!!!

How much are you paying fir self pay and where are you getting it done??


Best wishes!

Dotty Cole

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Go To Topic Listing Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    Bariatric Forums

    For Patients

    Health Professionals

    Search Surgeons

    Bariatric Surgeons: Want to research a weight loss surgery surgeon? Enter their last name below to start!

    ×