Hey all....I was wondering what people's experiences were with cruising post band. I am not so much talking about not being able to enjoy all the food (I am a little concerned about the social aspect of being the only person at a table for 10 who can't eat much, but Im mostly good with that), but my concern is more the whole being out at sea or in another country and getting too tight because of travel or whatever, not being able to get to my Dr. What can I say...I am a worrier!

Has anybody cruised post banding, and if so, any problems? Did you go fully filled, or did you have a slight unfill to avoid potential issues?

Thanks in advance for any insights you have to offer!

Great question! I just got banded on July 24, am getting my 2nd fill Sept. 19, and have a cruise planned for Dec. 6. I am really not too worried, though...but would love to hear other people's experiences. I have been on a number or cruises and have never gained weight on them, believe it or not. But I will definitely be eating much less on this one.

You may want to take a look at cruisecritic.com and do a search using the term "lap band." I remember that there was a thread on that topic, with some good information. I will see if I can find it again. myself.

I have just returned from a 10-day cruise. I ave only had one fill, but I had no problems with the air travel to the port nor with the cruising itself. I found it very easy to stick to 3 meals a day. At dinner, our waiter kept saying I didn't eat enough, but he got used to me after about 3 meals. There are lots of healthy choices. Now, having said all that - I did succumb to the homemade bread (and a couple cocktails). I exercised every day in the Ship's gym and managed to keep my gain to 2lb.

I leave for another cruise day after tomorrow and I am going to leave the bread alone, exercise like crazy and I think I will be fine. I see my surgeon tomorrow and I decided not to get a fill. I just don't want to be on a ship and get into trouble.

Hope this helps.

I was banded on July 25th and having my second fill on September 9th. I have a cruise booked for October 23rd. I don't think I will have any problems. I am excited. I have lost 36 pounds and am feeling really good. Although I would like to be going on a cruise 100 pounds lighter, (that is just another goal I can set for myself) I am just happy that I am physically feeling good and have relieved some pressure off my knees and ankles. So needless to say, I am ready to cruise! I am going to check out that link on the info about cruising with the lapband. Thanks for bringing up this question, I'm glad I wasn't the only one with concerns. I hope you have a great (worry free) time on your cruise! :thumbdown:

I was banded on May 28th and just returned from the Dominican Republic. It is not a cruise, but a little more dangerous. They tell you don't drink the Water or eat too many veggies and fruit. I had no problems at all. I was overly prepared. I spoke with my bariatric nurse and she gave me a lap band needle as a just in case. If I needed to have an unfill while in the Dominican I could. I also looked up a lap band doctor over in the Dominican. So many people go overseas for these procedures and I found a really good one. Did not have to use him. I lost 4 pounds on vacation. I kept with my walking 2 miles a day and really watched what I ate. Skipped the salad and Soups and had the entree with veggies and then a little desert. I did not deprive myself. I was able to enjoy my vacation more.

Have fun on your trip.

I will be going on my second cruise leaving December 28th (my first was December 2006). I didn't even think about having problems with the band. I'm at 3.6 cc's and if I don't change from there, then I'll keep it at that, however, if he does give me fills between now and then, I might go in for a slight de-fill just so there aren't any problems. I guess we'll have to see. :thumbdown:

I was banded June 20,2008 then went on a cruise August 16-23 I got a fill right before I left. I did great! I only used the stairs I refused to use the elevator and I always requested no drink and no pasta, breads .. they were great with it! Good luck and have fun!!!!

Thank you to all who responded. Logic told me I should not have a problem, but unfortunately I am a worrier! I feel much better now. :biggrin: