Flying with the band - Advice from my doc

Hi, I had an interesting conversation with my doc last night when I went in for my fill. I thought I'd share some advice she gave me. When we were talking about my upcoming trip to LA, she immediately asked how soon I was going and said not to eat a big solid meal right before or during the flight. Here's why - when she and her husband were flying to Mexico, her husband partially inflated a neck pillow. After takeoff, they noticed that the pillow was now extremely filled due to the change in air pressure. They let some air out of it and a few minutes later it was again filled to the max! She said it was an amazing visual and something she wanted to share with her patients. Basically, you're not at risk of bursting your band or anything, but it WILL tighten your band, and therefore eating while in flight could be a problem and make my tummy upset (she thought drinking would be okay). Her advice was to just have a light soup or something for dinner before I fly, but then just have water while in flight, so I don't get uncomfortable from changes in the band while in the pressurized cabin. Has anyone else heard this advice? My doc is pretty sharp, so I'm not taking any chances!!

Well I need to fly every day...LOL...That's good to know, I'm looking forward to flying to Palmdale, CA in July for a Makeover arranged by my Aunt.... Tina

This is very interesting and very thoughtful of your Dr. to share this with you.  I'm going to keep that in mind.

Thanks for the advice.  I'm flying to MI pretty soon for some training for my job.  I'm already pretty tight so that is really good to know!

I flew in December and didn't feel any tightening or anything.... huh

THANKS so much for posting this piece of information. I also expect to be flying and would have never known to eat light and not have a snack on the plane. That would have been very embarrassing to have PB'd or worse in flight! Diana

I fly quite a bit.  The big thing is to stay hydrated, before, during and after.  If I get hungry during the flight, I will eat a few nuts or something like that-saving dinner for when I land.

Well, I'm glad to hear this advice, but it also worries me because I am flying to Ireland in July.  That is a 13 hour flight!!!!  How am I going to make it on jus****er?!

Take protein powder with you on the plane.

Contact them in advance and see if they may have something like cottage cheese -- or cereal or yogurt -- for you.  Just explain you are on a soft food diet that needs to be relatively high in protein.  If all else fails, you may be able to get baby food -- if they know you may need it. I've been able to eat a full meal on a plane (yeah, I did first class once before) without a problem -- I just needed to go slow. So, basically, just give the airline a call and see what they can do for you so you'll know in advance what you'll need to arrange for yourself.  And, yes, remaining hydrated is key!