Flying And The Dreaded "extender"

[Mrs. CMK 188]

I do a nice amount of flying, out of town, for business. For the past 5 years or so, I have had to ask for a seat belt extender and I hate it. My husband and I flew together for the first time last year and I had to confess to him that I was going to need to ask for one. Being the sweet man that he is, he didn't bat an eyelash. Anyway....I flew to Milwaukee last week and being down 42 lbs, I thought perhaps I wouldn't need it. Unfortunately, I did. But I am very close! I probably won't be flying again until the end of the year. This is my goal....to lose enough so that I can get that regular seat belt fastened with no extra help. I'll keep you updated.

[LouisianaLiLi 231]

UGH, I hate those things...I'm hoping to have that same experinece (not having one when we fly in February). Good Luck

[colleenjoy 104]

I feel your pain. I had to use one for the last couple of years, so embarrassing. I had a great NSV when we recently flew to Florida and the belt latched without an extender. It's was a wonderful feeling! Hopefully you'll have the same feeling soon. I do think it depends on the airline how long the belts are.

[bluetigereyes 95]

I know the feeling, I had to use one so many times. I just went on a 9 day vacation to So Cal and Vegas, and after losing almost 60 lbs, I was able to use the seat belt without an extender...but the best part, I had a "tail" on the seat belt of a good 6" I was so excited that I had that much extra seat belt....its a great feeling and you WILL get to that point!

[Lapbandster 496]

Ah those annoying extenders. I am this close to needing one (whenever i fly i have to extend my seatbelt to the max)

but thank g-d i'm having surgery this week and hopefully this will be the last thing on my mind the next time I fly

[JessiG1983 50]

I know exactly what you mean!! Over the past few years I have had to use them several times!! What an embarrassing experience!! A couple of weeks ago I flew to Southern Cali and I didn't need the extender ( in fact I had a tail from where I needed to size down the belt), I actually had room in my seat and was able to use the tray table (pulled down and fully extended!!!) I almost cried (lol) I was sooo happy. You will definitely get there!!!

[Its_Me 4]

That must be an amazing feeling! The last time I flew I was VERY close to needing one but managed after a few tries and lost of huffing and puffing to get the think buckled. I prayed the lady next to me wouldn't have to get up during our flight because I didn't want to go thru that again. (she didn't). But I was miserable the whole time with the seatbelt and squeezing myself into the seat. I look forward when I can fit into an airplane seat and be (somewhat) comfortable.

Same thing for attending ball games and such.

[bigenuff 302]

I understand!! :-/ I flew almost every week for about 8 years until October of last year. About 85 % of my trips were on Southwest airlines .so I just decided to keep the extender in my purse so I wouldn't be embarrassed by asking. Every once in a while I'll forget to take it off the plane with me. I dreaded asking for another one :-( or if I happen to fly on another airline with different type of belt I'd hate asking.The flight attendants were usually discreet about handing it to you, but the guy in the isle seat always looked puzzled as it crossed his face.:-( I have. Not flown since being banded 4/6/12 i don't plan on flying until my birthday in October. If I don't need a a extra belt I will be posting in the success stories forum.:-)

[Fantasy 104]

Fortunately I have never needed a seatbelt extender. However if I did I would have purchased one a at travel store or online. This would be a good option and save you from the embarassment of asking for one.

[KJS1228 5]

Good for you....your triumph will come soon!

I have felt your pain over and over. So stressful. I have actually sat next to a few people who were so rude about sitting next to me (like I was a freak.) I actually leaned over to one women and told her I thought she was being very rude and insensitive and has no idea what it feels like to live a day in my body.

[hls50 20]

Uggggg, this is such a hot spot with me as well. I fly all the time and I know I have to go through the same process all the time. I fly United a lot and they have seats in the front half of the plane that you have to pay extra for to get extra leg room. I usually end up paying for the seats in the front row or the exit rows because they have sides on the seats and you can't "overflow" into the other person's seat next to you. This is very uncomfortable as you can imagine, I also have to walk on to the plane and look the stewerdess in the eye and wisper for the extender. Only once in all the time I have flown did I get someone who I felt was judgeing me. On Southwest I always pay the extra $10.00 per flight to get the "A" seating. I always go directly to the back of the plane. People usually don't want the back so the front and middle will fill up first and sofar I have been lucky enough get a seat with no one in the middle. Having to think about this every time I fly is EXAUSTING!!!

I can NOT WAIT till this is no longer an issue for me. I am actually flying with my husband and son on Saturday and I will need to ask for one. My surgery is Sept. 11th and the next time I fly after that is Oct. 31, don't know if that will be enough time to lose enough to not need the extender, but I know that time will be coming, I just need to be patient. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to take the extender with me.......I had no idea you could actually buy one, I sure would have done that not to suffer as much as I have, but have no plans of worrying about buying one now, it's just a matter of time. Love hearing the stories of those who no longer need them......I will cry when it happens to me!!!as

[Mrs. CMK 188]

Good for you....your triumph will come soon!

I have felt your pain over and over. So stressful. I have actually sat next to a few people who were so rude about sitting next to me (like I was a freak.) I actually leaned over to one women and told her I thought she was being very rude and insensitive and has no idea what it feels like to live a day in my body.

I, too, have experienced this. Brings tears to my eyes thinking about it.

[AriesBis 3]

When i flew at the end of june i ended up needing one and i thought to myself i am never doing this again! Im getting my surgery and getting to a normal weight!! I cant wait to start my new life! No more extenders!!!