Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Nervous Wreck about flying!



Recommended Posts

Need some advice on flying....I have never flown and I am scared at the idea of flying but I'm also scared of being to big for the plane seat? Can anyone my size give me some advice on this?? Thanks!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What size are you? This can help others respond that are a similar size. You may want to contact the airline. I am a pretty outgoing person and would say "I'm a complete wreck about flying, its my first time! I am headed to *blank* and nervous about the seating, can you provide me a little bit more information? Such as size restrictions?"

Plus- airlines offer seltbelt extenders. And LAST resort if you're THAT worried, buy a seat in first class and live in luxury!

I pop a Xanax and have a glass of wine to calm my flying nerves.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Brokemyhalo

I am 5ft 4in and 260 pounds. I wish I could pop Xanax or wine but unfortunatley I will be on Clear Liquids the sunday I fly out for surgery on monday! thanks! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I understand your feelings! The first time I ever flew in my life was when I went to Mexicali to have my sleeve surgery. I was terrified of just the whole idea of flying, and then add to that, the fear of not being able to fit in the seat, I was truly a complete basket case. However, I found that flying was actually an awesome experience and fell in love with it the moment we took off. As for not fitting in the seat, I was 5' 4" and weighed 283 pounds and although snug, I fit just fine. I did have to have a seatbelt extender, but the flight attendant was very discreet about it and I wasn't embarrassed in any way. You should be fine.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

After surgery I actually went up to the desk and explained I had just had surgery and wanted to know if i could have a seat with the next seat to me empty - because I was afraid of getting hurt... They were able to do it for both of my flights. You never know unless you ask. On my way there it was a tight fit on one flight but bearable. Good luckk

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My trip to Mx was my first flight ever. I've always said I'd never fly, EVER! Well saving my life was enough motivation to make it happen. It was FUN!!! I absolutely love flying and want to do it again soon.

Hopefully you're the same!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Go to the desk at your gate when you get there and ask them for a "medical pass". This will allow you to preboard before any one else. We were able to get the first row which had more leg room than any other seats. They will give it to you with no questions asked!! We flew southwest.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was 330lbs when I flew to Mexico to have my surgery. The seats where very snug and I had to have a seatbelt extender but I did fit. I was terrified of flying (it actually made me cry!)but when I choose to have surgery I had to come to terms with it as I had 3 flights each way. I am not sure if it was doing 6 flights in 4 days or what but for some reason my fear of flying has gone. So much so that I have booked a holiday and leave for Ireland in 9 days. Best of all, this time I will fit the seat with no extension required! Best of luck with your surgery and don't worry about the flying, it's so worth it in the end!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Southwest has options for their more substantial passengers. Also, I too took the option of medical pre boarding, postop. It also allowed me to ask for a seatbelt extender discreetly.

http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/extra-seat/index-pol.html

You can also let them know you're a first time flyer so they can assist you, and comfort you accordingly.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Also, contact your surgeon to advise you if it's okay to have your PCP prescribe you something for flying anxiety.

I would not suggest mixing it with alcohol tho...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Brokemyhalo

I am 5ft 4in and 260 pounds. I wish I could pop Xanax or wine but unfortunatley I will be on Clear liquids the sunday I fly out for surgery on monday! thanks! :)

You will be fine, last year I was 315 on a southwest flight and I fit fine without a seat belt extender. Just relax, I was scared to, but once I was on there I was ok.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Bashbee91

      Hey guys new to the process looking forward to this new life. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Bugg

      Hi everyone! I’m brand new here. I just went through all my pre-op requirements per my insurance company and now everything has been submitted and I’m just waiting for final approval and my surgery date. I’ve been doing research, watching YouTube videos, TikTok’s, ect.. trying to prepare my mind and what to expect so I’ll be ready for the surgery. I was so sure and so set and so ready and excited. However, now that I’ve done everything & it’s almost here, I am sooooooo scared! I know why I want it bc I’ve tried everything and I just don’t feel like I can lose weight by myself. I’m tired of being overweight my entire life. I’m miserable, but I keep psyching myself out afraid of GERD bc I know how that can be and I don’t want to have to get a bypass after already gaining the courage to even get VSG. I’m scared of complications like I’mgoing to regret doing it and be depressed that I didn’t just be more disciplined and try again to lose the weight on my own even sitting here typing this knowing in my mind i just can’t and don’t possess the discipline. I’m also afraid I won’t be able to handle the restrictions of the sleeve. What do I eat? I don’t know how to eat healthy really and don’t enjoy healthy food. I don’t know how to do this! I feel so defeated!Someone tell me they felt anything similar to this or am I not ready? I thought I was. I am so tired of being sick and tired and so tired of myself and so tired of being stuck and stuck in this body and somebody different on the outside from what I feel inside. I just want to ball up and cry.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      over 20 lbs down since4 the pre surgery diet and surgery on the 14th
      · 1 reply
      1. Selina333

        Yay!! Congrats. I know how good that feels. 🤩

    • Jenopolis

      Had a sleeve in 2017, lost over 100 pounds. Had a DS surgery this year (2025) for more sustainable weight loss. 🤞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      The 14th was my day. I am home and recovery is going pretty smooth. They even let me walk out of the hospital. Picture of me in recovery curtesy of my boyfriend lol. 

      · 3 replies
      1. DaisyChainOz

        Glad it went well!! Wishing you a speedy recovery and wonderful success!! 🤗

      2. buildabetteranna

        Thank you ❤️

      3. Selina333

        Neat you have a pic of this day! I was sooo happy to get my surgery. It was well worth it! And I'm not even near my goal. I had surgery Dec. 2!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×