Flying with the Band

[AppleBottom 0]

Hey Bandsters!

Weird Question!

Does the altitude change while flying in an airplane effect the band at all?

Just one of those things that feels too weird to ask the surgeon!

[*susan* 1,709]

Hi, this is not a weird question at all! In fact, if you do a search, you will find it has actually been discussed quite a bit here at LBT.

I recently flew for the first time from Florida to Vegas and back. It did not affect my band at all. However, many people have stated that it does seem to make them tighter, particularly when they are on the longer international flights.

[BJean 16]

I tried to ask my doctor about this very thing. He laughed and looked at me like I had lost my mind. However there was another patient in the office that swore that when he flew to Vegas, his restriction was twice as tight afterwards.

When I went to Scottsdale from Texas last summer, I found that upon arrival, I could hardly eat anything. It was that way the entire trip and when I returned I had to have some restriction removed. I didn't have any idea that flying could be a factor. It was only after I read a thread here that I considered flying as a contributing factor.

I still don't know if it was coincidental or if the flight actually played a role. But if anyone does know for sure, I would appreciate hearing about it. I have a 12 hour flight coming up and I want to get all of my restriction removed if it is true.

[Sandy Beach 4]

I went to Mexico for my banding. All was goood on my way back to the airport after surgery. The moment the plane took off I had so much pain in my band area. The flight attendant took good care of me just like a nurse. I thought it was just a fluke. When I returned to Mexico for my fill there it went again tight as can be.

Your guess is as good as mine. I think altitude does make a differance.

[Soprano1Brooke 0]

Hi,

I am from Alabama, and I had my lap-band surgery done in San Antonio, TX. I actually flew there, had it done, and then flew back home to finish recovering. I've had to fly back there twice since then and haven't noticed any complications or changes in my restriction (I might just be lucky) I actually remember eating on the plane on the way back from a fill, heh. It really just comes down to the fact that the band has different effects on different people's bodies, so you can't really know what to expect until you have experienced it yourself, but I wouldn't worry too much abt it. Hope this helps ^.^

[lexy 0]

I have been banded for almost one year and have flown several times in the last twelve months. I have flown twice since my fill level was at my "sweet spot". Both times I have felt two tight after my return flight home. Once I was away for 2 weeks and once for 3 days. It seems crazy to me but my band has definitely got tighter for about 7 days. The tightness is extreme and both times I have considered going for a slight unfill and then all of a sudden the tightness subsides and I am fine.

The benefit is that any weight I may have put on while out of town disappears!!!

I do feel the tighter your band is the more chance you could be affected my air travel, but I have know idea how my band knows when I arrive home!!

[AppleBottom 0]

Thanks for the weigh-in, guys! ( No pun intended!!!) I guess it wasn't such a crazy question after all!!!!!

[HeatherO 7]

I have flown three times since banding in January. It had absolutely no effect on my band and I could even eat the in-flight meals (minus the bread and desert of course). Everyone is a little different and I also suspect being near the sweet spot may make a person a little more sensitive.

[dsk 1]

There is no air in the band so nothing to expand with altitude. Water (saline) isnt going to expand or contract with pressure.

[Laura_MD 5]

I tried to ask my doctor about this very thing. He laughed and looked at me like I had lost my mind.

BJean, ask your doc how air travel contributes to blood clots. Part of the problem there is the lack of movement, but a huge contributing factor is the inflammation that causes swelling in the extremities and around your organs.

I brought this subject up back in January as a warning to fliers because I had heard nothing about it before that and I had just experienced tightening during and after an international flight. Fortunately, I did anticipate some change (because I have had issues in the past with blood clots) and I planned accordingly.

What I experienced was about a 2/3 reduction in the amount of food I could eat. How do I know that? I packed my 1 1/2 oz baggies of almonds and craisins, the amount I can normally eat and be satisfied with no problem. When I tried to eat my "trail-mix" mid flight (Philadelphia, PA to Antigua), I could only eat a third of the bag. That restriction stayed for about 1 1/2 -2 days and then I experienced the same on the return trip.

Some things to consider in figuring out if your band tightness will be effected:

• Do you usually experience swelling in your legs and feet or feel bloated post flight?
  
  • If you do, you are likely subject to inflammation that can cause additional band tightness.
    

  [*]How much of your band is filled?

  • If less than half, you may experience some additional, but tolerable, tightness.
    
  • If you half more than half of your band filled (i.e. 7cc in a 14cc band), you may some issues and it COULD be intolerable.
    
  • Make sure you find a band doc near you destination, just in case, and bring copies of your records with you.
    

To answer your question in short, flying has the potential to create additional tightness. Plan for the worst, and Celebrate the best and you will win either way.

[Laura_MD 5]

There is no air in the band so nothing to expand with altitude. Water (saline) isnt going to expand or contract with pressure.

Don, it is not the band that expands, it's you. Your organs and tissue can swell because of the lower air pressure at high altitudes.