high altitude anyone?

annieM · 02-09-2009, 05:22 PM

Hi. I am traveling to La Paz, Bolivia which has an altitude of about 12,000 feet.
Has anyone traveled to a high altitude place after being banded? I am debating getting an un-fill before going, but I would love to avoid that since I am at a good fill level now.

RestlessMonkey · 02-09-2009, 06:36 PM

There's a difference in oxygen at that level but I can't imagine it would directly impact your band. I am not a doc or an altitude specialist however; I say ask your surgeon to be sure. I wasn't told to avoid altitude or pressure shifts (like deep sea diving, for example) I don't think it matters, but its possible I'm wrong.

aubrie · 02-10-2009, 11:52 AM

I've heard the medical community claim that pressure and altitude changes don't affect the band, but me, and numerous other people on this board have had experiences with flying. Taking a puddle jumper flight, or a low altitude flight for short duration doesn't do a thing to my band, but a long, 40,000ft.+ type trip does. I actually felt the band getting uncomfortable during the flight, so I just drank liquids. I wasn't able to eat solid food for a day or two upon arrival. Then it slowly went back to normal. As for actually staying in a high altitude place, I can't say. I'm thinking it may be a very individual and personal thing.

mumof2boys · 02-10-2009, 02:59 PM

I haven't been to a high altitude place but I have taken several trips on a plane and I have not encountered any problems. I have read that some people do but I haven't. I guess it's different for everyone. Good luck.