I had a horrible experiance at the Edmonton Airport yesterday. Going thru security my port set of the system. I was prepared, I had my lapband card ready with my ID. Of course it was a man checking me with the wand. I handed him my card and he just stared at me. He wanted me to tell him what kind of surgery and details of what kind of device it is. THEN HE YELLED OUT I NEED A FEMALE OFFICER SOME KIND OF GASTRIC WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY DEVICE>>>

It felt like a minute of silence people just stopped and stared at me. Got some really funny looks.

I was escorted to a private room with 2 security officers as they carried my purse and magazine. I felt like a criminal. I had to unzip my jeans and allow the female gaurd to touch where the port was so she can rule out the device being a knife.. WHAT THE HAY!!!!! I was mortified , truly ashamed, embarrased and I felt so violated. I didn't want to argue as i needed to get on the plane.

IS THIS GOING TO HAPPEN ALL THE TIME? WHAT CAN I DO WHEN I FLY NEXT TIME?

Wheetsin, but the titanium shouldnt set the alarms off. I specifically asked my doc about it and even in the manual from J&J it says titanium doesnt set the alaram off. if so then all people with new joints ets. would set the alarms off...But maybe the security appliances have changed who knows:-)

How awful! I plan to fly in a couple of weeks, but I am accustomed to the red tape because I have double knee replacements. I certantly do not want them unzipping my pants or telling everyone else in line my personal business.:omg: I already do not like going to the special area to be checked while my personal belongs are left unattended. Let me know what you find out.

JP

Wheetsin, but the titanium shouldnt set the alarms off. I specifically asked my doc about it and even in the manual from J&J it says titanium doesnt set the alaram off. if so then all people with new joints ets. would set the alarms off...But maybe the security appliances have changed who knows:-)

Oh gotcha. I was just responding to the statement that there is no metal in/on the band -- which there is.

I have no clue if it was anything to do with my band that set off the detector for me. All I know is that the wand picked up right on the area of my port incision, and I did not have an underwire bra on, and at the time band surgery was the only surgery I'd had (hence no other implants, screws, pins, etc. that could have done it). That would seem to indicate it's possible. But at the same time, it only happened that one time, and I've taken many flights since surgery. Titanium... fluke... who knows. <!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Actually the reservoir in the port is titanium. I believe the connection point between the band and port also has a titanium element.

I have a titanium steel rod in my leg that has never set off any metal detectors. There is no way that a port triggered it. Operator error. :confused: