Hi, has anyone had any problems with their band when flying? I know some surgeons say it should be partially deflated.....I will consult my surgeon, but just wondered if anyone had flown without doing this and what the happened, if anything? 

No problems here flying with the band or in airport security (they do a double take but it most are familiar with it).....the band is filled with fluid not air so the pressure change shouldn't affect it.....what might affect it is dehydration, some people me included don't drink enough water when flying which for me can make me a little tighter but returns when hydrated.....I personally wouldn't have fill taken out for a trip although I have never flown for more than 4 hours at a time.

Michele

Hi Michele, thanks for that info.....its something to do with getting air bubbles which makes the band tighten up. I don't want the band deflated either for flying, because that could be fatal when its "All inclusive" lol

I'll be flying for 6 hrs so I guess I'd better check with the surgeon.

Thanks anyway...Jill

flew from NB, Canada to  Hawaii last year with no problems. 

Hi Michele, what do you mean security takes a "double take"?  They can see it on the screen or something?

I went to Canada and I went through one of those body scan machines........it shows up like it would on a x-ray. 

 I have problems with tightness while in-air, so I just stay it by ear when it comes to solid foods. Usually ask for milk and mix a shake. On the ground, however, I'm fine.

I've never heard of partially unfilling for flying . . . 

Hi, many thanks for the reply, its all usefull to know.   In the uk they suggest partial deflation but I'm trying to see if anyone hasn't done it and has had serious problems?

Thanks...Jill

 Kate P would the one to ask. She's from the UK and flies all the time.

I haven't ever had an unfill prior to flying and the only trouble I've ever had has been, as I said, during the flight.

I just flew from FL to Las Vegas and didn't have any problems (5 hours). I drank liquids the entire time, no food while in the plane since I ate before I got on the plane. I maybe had 1 0r 2 pretzels out of my husbands bag!

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all your comments....very useful!  x

Hi Jill, I personally have not flown, but my "band partner" recently went on a trip to Ireland. That was a long flight! She had a little bit of an issue, but it really got worse when she flew back After a few weeks of misery she went to see our doc. He told her the problem was her flight. He suggested to her next time she flew to put herself on a clear liquid diet the day before and the day of the flight, and then at least 12 hours after the flight. She hasn't flown again, and won't until July, but it is something to think about! Hope your trip goes well :)

Oh thanks so much, I think I might do that too...not going till Oct so I'd appreciate an update ( if you happen to remember) when you buddy has had another flight.  Plenty time for me to make the right decision fortunately.

Thanks again...Jill 

hi jill
just found your enquiry related to flying with gastric band, im off to florida next month and have been looking for any info. i have been on 4 hours to tenerife and every time i fly i find band tightens so can only have soup or liquids. my tightening usually lasts all the hol about four weeks but i put this down to heat, stress (single parent with twin boys of 9) . i have never found problems on the plane. but it works a bit like a fill ok for the first 3 days then pow ! eating becomes restricted. my band is on tight as when i have it a bit loose have the eating bug and cant control food intake.
i have 8mls.in 10ml band
just wondering has anyone had probs with long haul 9hour flights
any info would help
thanks alot

Flying and band issues, while rare, it's not too uncommon.

What one needs to remember, the plane is pressurized. This can have an affect on the human body (example, ears clog).

Since your insides have 'fluids', the change in pressure could affect internal pressure changes; especially on the stomach - hence your band could be affected.

Usually it's a minor discomfort, and everything is fine once on the ground.

However if you're really concerned, you may want to ask your Doctor to loosen the band until you come back.