First flight, post surgery

Hi everyone, just checking in. I went on a business trip last week, first time I have flown since starting this journey. I have always carried most of my weight around my belly, as I heard somebody else describe it, my body type is "imaginary fetus." So belting a seatbelt in any car could be an issue but was always an adventure on a plane! Trying to buckle it under your belly, and hoping the attendant wouldn't think you were faking it and ask you to lift your fat. I remember one flight where I was determined not to ask for the extender belt, and I braced my feet and pushed as far back into the chair as I could to get the seatbelt done up. And was depressed and very uncomfortable the rest of the flight. I was afraid to get up and use the bathroom and have someone see me getting the belt done up again!

Well. This time, I had a good 4 inches of extra unused on the belt. 4 inches! And for the first time in my adult life, I could put the tray table down and not have it hit my belly. How many meals have I eaten with the tray ready to slide off because my body pushed the tray up at an angle? I could not believe it. I left that stupid tray down, and put my book on it, just because I could. Halfway through the flight I realized, not only did I have the tray table down, I had crossed my legs without thinking about it. Crossed my legs! In a plane!!! I used to look over at other people doing that and be so jealous. I know it's a little thing in some ways, but I almost cried. I got my coworker's attention and hissed at him, "Look! Look at me! I'm crossing my legs!" I also showed him how I could move my hand between the table and my body. He was smiling for me, it was AWESOME.

  Congrats!!! Yes plane rides used to be very distressful for me!!!  I remember 3 or 4 years ago when i was getting on a plane for the 1st time since WLS.  I still weighed over 300 pounds but I am a pear shape, so I am bottom heavy.  I knew I could do car seat belts but was still not sure about planes.  When I got on plane and did not have to use an extender I cried.  Because when I was very big, I refused to stop traveling because of it.  But getting on the plane was still very distressful and I could tell you some HORROR stories I have had on planes when the plane is at full capacity.  Yep it was not pretty indeed. 

So I understand fully your elation at being able to eat with the tray down, cross your legs and not use the extender.   Good job and keep up the good work!

This is truly what it's all about.  I LOVE THIS!! I'm hoping you wouldn't mind if I share your story on my blog?  I will leave your name off but is it OK if I use it?  THIS IS AWESOME!!!! Never forget it and you'll do just fine!
hugs, Y

Yvonne, I would be honored. I love your blog! I especially enjoyed your last post. I am beginning to see myself with love and it still amazes me. Thanks for all the work you do for us.
Kristine

I edited the post put your name in it.  So glad I could use it.  It was an amazing post and I wanted to share it with many more.
hugs, Y

oh yeah.... I remember the stares as I would somehow manage to bump down the aisle to find my seat. I arrived a bit late in the boarding process a few times. Soooo... everyone was seated and you could just see the looks...

Oh pluuuueaase Lord... don't let HER be in the empty seat next to me!

I swear I could hear sighs of relief as I would pass each row ... and the horror growing on the faces of those in the rows further back....

As yet I haven't flown since surgery but when i finally do.... I'm looking forward to a totally different experience.

Congrats to you!

Sweetie I love the way you are able to tell a story with perfect pictures.  I can see every person you described.  I was spared from flying for a long time so I was lucky (or should I say the other people were lucky) that I didn't fly much.  I posted the link on facebook and I said to my non-WLS friends that they should read that post so they can see what it's like for someone to fly as an obese person....to understand that we're doing the very best we can.

Today I talked to a very thin young lady today at a store and she was saying she was surprised that I was ever big.  The conversation had gone several ways but I told her to remember that every time she sees an obese person to remember that I used to be that way and I was buried deep inside that body...dying to get out.  She got it...and I got a way cool butterfly clip.

Big hugs, Y

Wow, that is so excellent I am so happy for you and your success!! Reading this literally made my cry =' ) I am only 6 months post op and can't wait to be where you are!

I have tears in my eyes because I've done the same exact thing with the tray.  I can't wait to have that feeling!  I'm so excited for you.  God bless you for sharing such a blessed moment in your life. 

Way to go!
Jean

Jean!  Baton Rouge!  I was born and raised in Shreveport.  Glad you see you here!  I always joke and say I'm a Yankee Cajun but you are probably the only that gets that.  The Cajuns are pretty much offended because they are pretty sure that Shreveport is part of east Texas!  I love my Louisiana...there are truly no people anywhere like them.  New Orleans is like no other place in the U.S. and I love those people so much.  (I could listen to them talk forever!)  Glad to see you here!
hugs, Y