Air Travel after WLS

Guess what? No seat belt extensions needed! For the first time in over 10 years, I haven't had to quietly whisper to an airline attendant that I needed a seat belt extension. Finally, I didn't have to "feel sorry" for the person sitting next to me. Finally, I didn't mind using the airplane bathroom---when it was necessary, of course! The entire flight experience was great. Even "running" to all my connections at O'Hare and Atlanta was not all that bad. I never got out of breath and I held my head high and walked proudly through the airports. I felt beautiful. I felt powerful. I think it must have been radiating through my skin....because men and women all around smiled back. I packed some fruit in my bag and had a "picnic" with a little 5-year old girl I met on the last leg of my flight from Atlanta to Montgomery. She was very talkative, but we shared my Satsumas (orange/tangerine) and my leftover soft pretzel. I haven't had this much flying in----well-----ever! It was terrific! Hope the rest of you are discovering all the fun ways of being smaller! ~Laura in Alabama

Laura, I've been flying for work since the first week of Oct. When I hit my higgest and I was so uncomfortable, I requested not to travel. My boss understood it was because I just physically couldn't take it. My back was always hurting. I couldn't imagine dragging my luggage through an airport at 295lbs. So I never flew when I was at the weight where I would need the extension, I was too embarrased to fly at that point. I'm down to 200 now and a size 18. When I get in my seat and buckle in, I actually have to tighten it up, I have about a good 4-5 inches to tighten up! I never had that before, I had to suck it in to get the belt to latch on the longest point! I've flown from Norfolk to Philly, NYC, Chicago and Boston. Of course changing planes, and running through airports to catch my connections each time! I think the big thing for me is just looking "normal". Yes I am still technically obese. But at a size 18, I dont think strangers look at me anymore and think "Look how fat she is!" I catch guys checking me out. My husband catches them too, and he doesn't like it! My life is just so different now, I would never have imagined my life would be like this! Leland Lap RNY 08/04/04 295/283/200/150ish