Flying with the Band??

BrendaLH · June 11, 2008

I was banded on January 24th and have had one fill 1cc in my 4cc band in March. On Monday, June 16th I am going for my second fil which I am hoping to only go to 2cc's. I am flying to Las Vegas on July 3rd and returning on July 7th for my Birthday which is the 8th. I heard that when you fly your band gets tighter and can stay that way for a few days? Is this true? Hope I can get a answer soon because if thats the case I will put off my fill until I get back. Thanks for your help!

June 2007 316lbs. before Kaiser classes

Jan. 2008 292lbs. before surgery and after completion of classes

June 2008 251.5lbs. as of June 12th

Susanbee · June 11, 2008

I was banded on 4/4/08 first fill on 5/12. I recently flew and felt no difference.

gemini2502 · June 11, 2008

I was banded on January 24th and have had one fill 1cc in my 4cc band in March. On Monday, June 16th I am going for my second fil which I am hoping to only go to 2cc's. I am flying to Las Vegas on July 3rd and returning on July 7th for my Birthday which is the 8th. I heard that when you fly your band gets tighter and can stay that way for a few days? Is this true? Hope I can get a answer soon because if thats the case I will put off my fill until I get back. Thanks for your help!
June 2007 316lbs. before Kaiser classes

Jan. 2008 292lbs. before surgery and after completion of classes

June 2008 251.5lbs. as of June 12th

I actually had the same question, I am flying to Omaha on July 1, and I get my first fill on 6/30.....

iteachurkid · June 11, 2008

This may be a really stupid question, but since we are talking about flying, I'm going to ask...can the metal in the port set off the metal detector at security?? Just wondering if anyone knew

aubrie · June 11, 2008

I've flown several times since being banded. No, the metal in the port does not set off the security devices. I had no problem with that.

On short flights at lower altitudes I had no problem with my band, but with long flights at 35, 000 ft. I could literally feel my band tightening. It didn't hurt, it was just a little uncomfortable. I could drink liquids, but nothing solid for several hours after landing. It only lasted about 6 - 8 hours, then I was fine, but I do recommend you put some mushy stuff of slim fast in your suitcase for when you get there. You might not be able to eat much right away. I now travel with slim fast, applesauce cups and tuna cups in my suitcase. It's standard travel items. On a long flight, I try to see if I can find a smoothie in the airport to take on the flight with me so I have something to eat. Those dry little sandwhiches just don't do it......

Amethystjade · June 11, 2008

I havent had my first fill yet. But the thing with the metal detectors, I am banded, and I have a fewish piercings with barbells and I have all of those in and it doesnt even set it off.

Ann D · June 12, 2008

I just flew to Vegas two weeks ago. I am at 6ccs. No problem with the metal detectors at all. the flight was from St. Louis to Vegas to 3 1/2 hours in the air.

It was okay not to many problems. I drank tomatoe juice on the plane and had no problems. I even ate a few peanuts. I just chewed the heck out of em until I had Peanut Butter.

My biggest problem in Vegas we figuring out how to eat. Buffets, regardless of your surgery you have to pay the full price just to sit and watch people eat. I know I asked. By day three I figured I would just eat of my DH plate. He is a big eater so the little bit I took was no big deal. But the first two days I wasted so much food trying to order for myslef and not being able to eat it all.

Have fun and Happy early Birthday.

Edited June 12, 2008 by Ann D

aubrie · June 12, 2008

At a nice restaurant, you can usually find a nutritious appetizer on the menu for your meal. For example: I have ordered shrimp cocktail or crab cakes. It's cheaper, just the right size and no waste. Nice places also have VERY nice Soups. One place I went to in Vegas, I had lobster bisque that was to die for. I didn't feel the least bit slighted.

luvinke · June 12, 2008

I'm am glad that you posted this thread because I will be flying to Florida from Virginia early August before boarding the ship to the Islands and I don't want any surprises. Any suggestions for my food on the cruise ship?

lucymae · June 12, 2008

I was banded on 2-18-08 and flew from California to Belize (Central America) a month later and had NO problems.

Aquameliza · June 13, 2008

This is an interesting thread for me. I was banded on 5/13 and was scheduled to attend a conference on 6/2 in another state. When my surgeon and nurse found out (whan trying to schedule a check up) they literally forbade me from flying. I was upset at first. They gave me a letter for the hotel, conference and airline and so far I was able to get the money back- but I had not heard a thing about this before and I was on this site a few times a day before surgery! My understanding is that in the first 6 weeks, the change in pressure can pull on your stiches. However, I kept thinking about all the people who fly immediately after surgery - those that go out of the country or to another location - how are they able to do this? Do they get hurt? I ask because my surgeon's office made a HUGE deal about this.

:confused2:

Hastings · June 13, 2008

If you scroll down to the bottom of the page there is a list of threads about this subject.

If you ever have a question you can also do a search on the subject i.e. "flying".

I'm flying to Sweden in July and and a little nervous about it.

globetrotter · June 13, 2008

I fly all the time for work - literally 120 legs or more a year, including a lot of 8-12 hour legs.

1. about 1 in 10 times the pressure will effect my band, and I will be very tight after the flight for 2-3 days. I haven't been able to figure out a pattern - it isn't the size of the aircraft

2. maybe 1/3 to half of flights, during the flight, I will be very tight

3. I flew the week after getting banded, no problem with the stiches or anything

4. I fly with cup a Soup, outmeal and tuna, as well as liquid protien bullets and protien powder. I have had trips where all I was able to eat for 10 days was liquids and mushies. but I have also had trips where I flew 7 or 8 legs and didn't have any problem at all.

newyorker33 · June 13, 2008

I was banded 4/7 and flown several times since for work. Flying does make an impact after the band is filled. I never feel it, but when I try and eat the day after I fly the band is tighter. Infact the only times I have gotten sick are when I have flown. Maybe everyone is different but I would suggest taking it easy after flying. Especialy if you are flying for work and have to entertain clients.

FeliciaLevy75 · June 13, 2008

My biggest problem in Vegas we figuring out how to eat. Buffets, regardless of your surgery you have to pay the full price just to sit and watch people eat. I know I asked.

Hmmm, weird!

I live in Las Vegas, and I have pulled out my "she had her stomach banded, please let her have a kiddie portion" card that my surgeon provides... and it works quite often! Whether a buffet or a standard restaurant, I show the card and I have been given discounts, smaller portions, substitutions where none are usually allowed, or a kid's menu (don't recommend this unless it has healthier choices).

It's been great!