after surgery issues

[Christy26]

Hi!

I am considering surgery next month. A co-worker of mine's spouse had the surgery a year ago and she has told me he has had some airport security issues - evidently the band has set off the metal detector?? Once he explains what is going on, he is fine with security but that has to be embarressing. I travel alot, and I wondered if this happened to others? My co-worker also insists she can feel where his band is placed through his skin. Is this also common?

He was banded in the USA. These are probably not big issues to some but I am trying to find others opinion on this.

Thanks for all the help

Christy

[nothereanymore]

Hello Christy,

I travel a lot and I've never had this happen to me, or heard of it happening to others. It must depend on the band you have.

I can feel my port when I push down on it, but I can't see it (It doesn’t stick out) and that's pretty normal, however some will have their port re positioned after surgery if it sticks out after weight loss.

All the best,

Lisa

[Christy26]

Lisa,

Thank you! I have been pretty nervous about that - I was thinking it would be sticking out and you would be able to see it. Thats good to know about the traveling too - I have never had any surgery before so I am very nervous. This site has been very helpful though - reading everyones experiences.

Again,

Thank you

[mona-camille]

I flew 4 times after being banded and not once did I set off any alarms. I don't think that would be a problem. My port doesn't stick out either, but I do still have a lot of weight to lose.

Good luck with your decision - you won't regret it!

[Dontondan]

Your port has no metal parts!!! Shouldn't be a problems at all, I travel all the time and have never heard of a problem. There may be some swelling where the port is for a while and I have some scar tissue and it is slowly dissolving in time, but I really am used to it now and no it doesn't "stick out". Most people can't see it and when I let them "feel" the port area they are really suprised.

[nicolek]

Hi

I asked about the airport security and Drs Said No problem it wouldn't set anything off.

Don't worry.

[Christy26]

Thank you! I got my date set today for my surgery in January. I am very excited and nervous. It seems real now

[my_friend_amber]

I just basically wanted to echo these other posts. Since being banded, I've gone through airport security at San Diego, Las Vegas, Little Rock, and Dallas/Fort Worth (one of the biggest airports ever!) and I've never had the band set off any security alarms. Also, the port is burried within the wall of the abdomen muscle itself, so unless you get so skinny and buff that you have "six pack abs" no one will ever be able to see your port.

[salena]

Hello - I have flown and haven't had a problem.

[jena]

The Lap Band is made from hypoallergenic plastic. No metal parts. The only way he could have trouble with it at an airport would be if he was pulled aside and had an xray. Even then it would probably be hard for the untrained eye to notice it.

She must have misunderstood what her husband told her.

[tlag]

Congratulations Christy on setting your surgery date. how exciting!

I have to agree with the rest, the band does not have metal and I have never had problems at the airport. You will do fine. Best of luck to you!