I am not much of a traveller. However, I just returned from a business trip which required flying two short stints (1 hr each) to return home. Ever since, I have fealt like something is stuck in my throat - different than food being stuck deeper in my esophagus. And it hurts!!!!! Has anyone experienced this sensation? and what helped to resolve?

I had my band 20 months ago and I have been at my goal weight for 7 months.

Any suggestions. I am ready to call my doctor tomorrow and ask for a slight unfill.

Yes. It happens... it has happened to me after flights before. Stick to hot liquids and soups for the next day or two and you'll feel back to normal. Weird, huh?

Yes. It happens... it has happened to me after flights before. Stick to hot liquids and soups for the next day or two and you'll feel back to normal. Weird, huh?

hi kgloverii, i was wondering if u were able to tell me what maybe causes that..b/c im not yet banded yet, but i do travel every 30-90 days.....so now im a little concerned...

hi kgloverii, i was wondering if u were able to tell me what maybe causes that..b/c im not yet banded yet, but i do travel every 30-90 days.....so now im a little concerned...

It doesn't happen to most people. Most have no problems flying. Those who do just have to take it easy for a couple days as mentioned. There are only a very small percentage of people who may have enough of a problem to require an unfill. I assume it is caused by the changes in altitude. My Dr. says flying should cause no problems. Ask yours and see what yours says.

Hi,

I was banded 11/26/08 and flew in January after 1 fill. Just got back from a flight last night (weekend trip) and have now had 4 fills total. I didnt have any problems at all, but then, I also read a lot on here and spoke to my Dr.'s office before flying.

The end result of the info and recommendations from all was this: Dont eat directly before the flight, dont eat a lot during the flight, and sip Water, dont gulp or drink fast, during the flight. These are all pretty common sense and logical suggestions.

If you want to really see what is happening to your band when your fly, take a half full bottle of water with you on a flight. You'll see it get very full and hard to open when you reach 'cruising altitude'. Then open it and leave it until you descend and land. It will collapse in on itself somewhat. The same thing, or very similar, happens to your band as it's fulled with liquid, also. The soreness that some feel is the tenderness of your esophagus where the band is placed first being squeezed a bit, then the squeezing letting up.

Please do not take this as replacing calling your Dr. if you are concerned or if the soreness/tenderness is or becomes severe. I'm a frequent traveler (as many trips as 40 a year sometimes) so this was a major concern for me. I've followed the rules/recommendations from my Dr. both trips and as I stated i've had no problem. I have a trip to Germany and Italy coming up in a few weeks, and was extremely concerned because of the length of the flights. I've be flying about 14 hrs each way. So now I know that if i'm careful and aware it will be ok!

One other thing for those getting ready to fly: If you are flying on a carrier that will provide a meal, you can request low calorie/low carb/low fat meals before hand. Even if you are going to buy one of theirs, contact the airline and let them know your nutritional requirements. Don't wait until you get on board to ask, they probably will not have what you want or need. Also, take Protein bars or snack bars to nibble rather than the crackers, etc, that they provide.

I hope this helped! And Happy Travels to all!