So, I’ve lost 80 lbs and despite a monster stall keeping me from breaking through the barrier to wonderland, I’m wondering whether it’s time to update my passport even though it’s valid for another six years. I’m traveling to Sri Lanka this summer (woo hoo!!) and debating updating my passport in time for my August trip...

wondering if anyone has any experiences either using their pre-weight-loss passport successfully/unsuccessfully, or having decided to update it early…I also cut off my hair so I look extra different!

Thanks!

5 hours ago, AEdoesRnY said:

So, I’ve lost 80 lbs and despite a monster stall keeping me from breaking through the barrier to wonderland, I’m wondering whether it’s time to update my passport even though it’s valid for another six years. I’m traveling to Sri Lanka this summer (woo hoo!!) and debating updating my passport in time for my August trip...

wondering if anyone has any experiences either using their pre-weight-loss passport successfully/unsuccessfully, or having decided to update it early…I also cut off my hair so I look extra different!

Thanks!

If you're weight loss has changed your appearance that much you should at least update photograph you may require proof of surgery to explain the change in weight I'm not sure but I know a guy who went to get a emergency passport and they were going to deny him until he showed proof he had his ears pinned back surgically, so it's best to ask a passport office or embassy because if you don't update your photo and get stuck overseas needing a emergency passport and your photo looks different to what you look like today there may be an issue in a foreign country!

I've been wondering about this, still down the road some for me as I'm just 3 months post-op, but I know I'll look dramatically different than my current license and passport photos

I just renewed my passport too but mine was about to expire. I look thinner & younger but i miss all my stamps and visas ???

I was thinking on updating my passport after I loose a significant amount of weight. More on the vanity side ( lol) but I can see how it can be an issue when traveling abroad if your passport picture does represent the way one look today.

BTW no matter how hard you try to primp & prep or how prepared you are with smizing... The quality of that photo will be entirely at the mercy of the photographer so beg ruthlessly that they take good ones...

?????????? ????

Edited March 5, 20197 yr by GreenTealael

That's for sure GreenTealael.

I was so happy with my passport picture, but my college realized that my place of birth was incorrect(naturalized citizen here). Never mind that I had already made 2 international trips on my passport.

8 hours ago, GreenTealael said:

BTW no matter how hard you try to primp & prep or how prepared you are with smizing... The quality of that photo will be entirely at the mercy of the photographer so beg ruthlessly that they take good ones...

?????????? ????

For SURE! I have no concerns about looking good/bad in the picture, I was just thinking I don't want to be stuck trying to convince someone at the airport in Sri Lanka that it really IS me...

Hi everyone. Thought I’d comment since I actually have had some experience with this...unfortunately!! I am about 13 months post-vsg (have lost about 100lbs) and traveled a few times out of the country, starting in June 2018. I had LOTS of problems with my passport. I didn’t think I looked that different, or that at least I wasn’t unrecognizable but it was a pain. They stopped me, asked me questions, and during one trip, I almost missed my flight. Was just overseas in December and coming back and going through customs, I was asked a bunch of questions, they took my passport, asked me to go to another section, took a picture, asked for another ID....it was a pain. And it took so long that I ended up having to look for my luggage because they had already taken it off the conveyor. Even with all that I was debating whether to update my passport since unfortunately, I updated a year before surgery (it was about to expire) and now doesn’t expire until 2027. And I called and asked and they basically told me I would need to follow the steps of renewing it if I want a new picture and pay the $110 fee. There is no special fee for “I lost a bunch of weight and look great!” My next trip is in May so I need to make a decision this week whether to chance it...again or just get a new one. I think I will since i don’t want to run the risk of having to convince people and miss my flights!

Some countries require your passport to be at least 6 months from expiring when you travel. You can find this out on the US passport website. Another thing to consider...