It never occurred to me that hidradenitis could be the reason, so I was wondering if anyone else experiences this? Theres also Secondary Security Screening Selection, noted by the acronym SSSS on your boarding pass, that is associated with travel to certain countries, one-way trips, and the watch list the TSA has been keeping since 9/11. .visely-pagination ul li { display: table-cell; white-space: nowrap; padding: 0px;} "name": "Gobonn", I'm told it's random but has happened to me fives times in the last two years, out of just over a dozen flights. Have you ever sassed back at a TSA agent when they were keeping Americans safe from your underwire brassiere? var ipsSettings = { Some airports close at night due to various reasons such as maintenance or nighttime curfews. Obvs. A place to ask simple legal questions, and to have legal concepts explained. } Copyright 2022 Airport-FAQs | version 5.2.4 (commit d0adbc) Laravel v 8.83.27 | (PHP v8.1.16), Home (current) | Started Yesterday at 08:36 PM, By Don't want to scare you, but the scanners are low powered X-rays, and you may have a tumor. if(arguments.length>2){T=arguments[2]}} There is a chance, however, that the metal object could be missed if it were in the persons pockets. } var classModifiers = classContent.split(' '); How did you lose so much weight? I always get a female assist to pat me down and they send their gloves through the machine afterwards. I always tell them I've lost over 100 lbs and it's loose skin, but they pat me down anyway. That said, tripping an alert and then saying "Oh, uhh, I guess I'll just leave" wouldn't fly anyway. The TSA uses metal detectors and full-body scanners to screen passengers for metal objects and other threats. document.dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent('viselyWidgetInit', {detail: { widgetType: 'TRENDING_NOW' }})); Yeah weird I totally get it 90% of the time. What triggers TSA body scan? You can make your way onto the list randomly, but that shouldnt get you a pat down every single time. googletag.pubads().enableAsyncRendering(); } After the full body scan, another TSA employee waived a wand around my knee. { relocateSearch(); Im not sure what else could be causing this, but here are some other reasons folks get stopped all the time. ips.setSetting( 'totalWeightLost', jQuery.parseJSON('5722605') ); The TSA agent needs to check all over your body including the . I'm glad to have a heads up! CHARLOTTE, N.C. A Charlotte woman told Channel 9 she was headed home from a work conference in Tampa Bay, but was stopped after going through a Transportation Safety Administration body . Answer (1 of 8): This happened to me also on my last trip through security. Every time (I fly a lot). Going thru the full body scan it alerted to my stomach/groin area. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/397090-tsa-body-scan-anomaly-after-surgery/" If the full-body scanner alarms, a TSA officer will conduct a pat-down search of your body. Erin18, January 9 jsURL: "//www.bariatricpal.com/applications/core/interface/js/js.php", "author": { Didn't weigh as of yet. { "text": "I think the only way to assure it\u0027ll never happen is to have plastic surgery. My mother-in-law said, "As far as I know I don't have any anomalies in the crotch area." The TSA agent told her she would have to go through the scanner again. "address": { My stomach hangs out like an over stuffed fanny pack. "@type": "Language", ips.setSetting( 'ipb_url_filter_option', jQuery.parseJSON('"none"') ); "@type": "Comment", No piercings, nothing. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. disableNotificationSounds: false, Airport body scanners alert the TSO to threatsmainly weapons such as knives, guns and explosives. viewProfiles: true, ] "image": "https://s.bariatricpal.com/uploads/monthly_2017_12/O_member_319848.png", }, Feature image (cropped): "tsa scanner" by Steven Perez is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 No, the alarm is usually set off by something on or near your body, like jewelry, an underwire, or a hair accessory. I have a NuvaRing, but theres nothing else in my vagina/vulva that could be confused for contraband. "@type": "Person", "name": "catwoman7", Press J to jump to the feed. "url": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/397090-tsa-body-scan-anomaly-after-surgery/?do=findComment\u0026comment=4466560", Posted June 2, 2017. "discussionUrl": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/397090-tsa-body-scan-anomaly-after-surgery/", Started Yesterday at 10:34 PM, By 5. 6. A few airports will issue an airport gate pass to anyone who wants to go through to the airport terminals. When we flew Arizona to Chicago I was picked to do a full body scan. "name": "des_", In 2011, a womans insulin pump was set off by a body scanner, but she was still able to get through security. I just assumed I look like a drug smuggler at every single airport I visit! This is really common for people losing massive amounts of weight, btw\n", You are using an out of date browser. @keyframes fade3 { 0% {opacity: 0;} 5% {opacity: 1;} 35% {opacity: 1;} 40% {opacity: 0;} 100% {opacity: 0;} } cookie_ssl: true, Apr 24, 2014. header photo courtesy of Ross Parmly via unsplashed. "url": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/397090-tsa-body-scan-anomaly-after-surgery/", }, ", var resizeWindow = function(){ var wClasses = "wDesktop wTablet wMobile"; if(detectDevice() === 30){ $("html").removeClass(wClasses).addClass("wDesktop"); } else if(detectDevice() === 20){ $("html").removeClass(wClasses).addClass("wTablet"); } else { $("html").removeClass(wClasses).addClass("wMobile"); }} !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? }, in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions, By If an alarm is triggered, the TSA officer will use a handheld metal detector to locate the source of the alarm and determine if it is a threat. What would have happened if I had just left the airport instead of consenting to the screening? Never imagined it was because of HS! What Sets Off the TSA Groin Alarm? Skip to Article Set weather var mappingH1; "@type": "Comment", Thanks for posting about this! .complete .visely-recommendations-container, .visely-recommendations-title.complete { opacity: 1; } Another possibility is that the bulge is indicative of a hernia or other medical condition that could pose a threat to the safety of the traveler or other passengers on the plane. k+=1}A.length=len;return A}}())} ceri84, December 2, 2022 "author": { However, it is important to note that not all tumors will be detectable by scanners, and that some may only be partially visible. I routinely get patted down after going through the scanners. The officer told Olivia that because of something the scanner had detected, a pat-down would be necessary. "text": "I flew for the first time since losing 145lbs. 1. You may request a pat-down search instead of going through the metal detector or full-body scanner. It happens to me pretty much all the time (although the airports I\u0027ve been to have those full-body scanners - sounds like the older ones might not do it?). Started 20 hours ago, By I always, always trigger an alert in the body scan machine at the airport. googletag.defineSlot('/15547294/BP_Header_900x50_U1_Tracking', [1, 1], 'div-gpt-ad-U1-Tracking').addService(googletag.pubads()); "userInteractionCount": 800 }, "@id": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/5-gastric-bypass-surgery-forums/", There are two main types of full-body scanners in use today: X-ray and millimeter wave. $(".cPost .ipsReact .ipsReact_blurb.ipsHide:only-child").closest('.ipsItemControls').addClass('iIC-no-react'); } "image": "https://s.bariatricpal.com/uploads/profile/photo-thumb-310169.jpg", I am flying from Phoenix to Chicago in July for my wedding, 4 months post op and I'm currently down 62lbs from pre op & 83lbs since I started my journey last September! They had to do a pat down. "interactionStatistic": [ I was 266 pounds. } "url": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/profile/257598-catwoman7/" $('.top-bar').hide(); This article will provide an overview of how the body scanners work and how they are used to keep air travel safe. No metal implants. "dateCreated": "2017-06-02T13:01:44+0000", Itd be nice if they could substitute it with a temporary alternative till you get your own back, though. googletag.defineSlot('/15547294/BP_Header_845x60_HT1', [845, 60], 'div-gpt-ad-HT1').addService(googletag.pubads()); in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions, By "author": { So I'm just assuming my skin and fat in that area are the reason I was flagged both times. It's not something I look forward to but it's not illegal. I always trigger the body scanner, too! ", I usually answer, no, it's fat and hanging skin, then stand there for the pat-down. Was Aubrey Plaza Annoyed at the SAG Awards? Since they are made of vinyl polymers and magnesium stearate (in addition to the hormonal ingredients), this should not be the culprit. If you set off the scanner during the screening process, you might be causing false alarms due to piercing, body jewelry, implants, or medical devices on you like pacemakers, braces, pant zip, watch, or even hairpins. $('[data-class]').on( "click", function(event) { Ethan Miller/Getty Images News/Getty Images. "@type": "InteractionCounter", googletag.defineSlot('/15547294/BP_Sidebar_300x600_S3', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-S3').addService(googletag.pubads()); ", And I make a point of not wearing anything with rivets and such like. if(number===0||!isFinite(number)){return number} googletag.pubads().refresh(refresh_slots); "@type": "Comment", MCO (Orlando) is hit or miss. var Shopify = Shopify || {}; The experience can be upsetting, invasive, and retraumatizing for travelers. On the scanner's screen was an outline of a human body with the groin highlighted. The scanner is designed to detect any kind of threat item, regardless of the material it is made out of. } "author": { "dateCreated": "2017-06-07T04:06:08+0000", notification_imgURL: "", Bariiime, Yesterday at 12:22 AM cachedDevice = newDevice; Dr. Carol Queen: Let me start by considering the NuvaRing. "text": "I traveled for the first time since surgery last week and I didn\u0027t experience that. I do think its bra related, because not all underwires are the same size or width. "url": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/397090-tsa-body-scan-anomaly-after-surgery/?do=findComment\u0026comment=4469389", Kris Poole, February 17 I recently traveled and they had to pat down under my arms which is where my constant breakout is. By Lisa Rapaport. No, full body scanners at airport cannot detect cancer or inflammation. .visely-recommendation-item { background-color: #ffffff; margin: 7px; position: relative; display: inline-block; border-radius: 5px; box-shadow: 0 2px 2px rgba(11, 25, 28, 0.1); } It got flagged. \n\n", I flew for the first time since losing 145lbs. "text": "Good to know. googletag.defineSlot('/15547294/BP_Sidebar_300x250_S4', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-S4').addService(googletag.pubads()); I let them know in advance and the agent told me that wasnt what was setting it off and it was my pants, which I know is bullshit because I always set it off no matter what Im wearing. "@type": "Person", I'm tearing up just thinking about a TSA officer patting an area where I'm flaring. Take out laptop, phone, tablet and other electronics. I traveled for the first time since surgery last week and I didn't experience that. Any detail omitted by airport screenersa blurred crotch in the body scan, an untouched groin during the pat-downwill become a loophole exploited by terrorists. Those are the airports I've been through the most. Harmless things like lipomas (fatty lumps) or lipodystrophy (abnormal distribution of fat) could also show up on airport scanners. Airport security systems use metal detectors, backscatter x-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet x-ray machines to keep people safe while traveling. "@type": "BreadcrumbList", The TSA uses metal detectors and full-body scanners to screen passengers for metal objects and other threats. "name": "English (USA)", ips.setSetting( 'emoji_cache', jQuery.parseJSON('"1"') ); "name": "Melissa315", Although the officer needed to do a pat-down hand sweep over my waist, it was completely within bounds and appropriate. She was as gentle as she could be, but its still probably going to hurt, unfortunately. "url": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/profile/318297-savagegirl/" ] Yes, airport body scanners can detect abnormalities in the body which may indicate the presence of cancer. Radiation Facts. }, Since that has happened to me every single time I travel, I decided to do some research on why I set it off for "no reason". I honestly can't figure it out. It's always the same area, the groin. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I had surgery in Mexico with ALO Baratrics & Dr Lopez on February 9th. .visely-recommendations-container .complete { min-height: 400px; } The simple answer is you can't just avoid security pat downs no matter what paperwork you have. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/397090-tsa-body-scan-anomaly-after-surgery/" The good news is that the airport scanners which passengers walk through as they go through airport security are unable to see inside the body, so airport scanners are unable to see tampons. The metal detector doorway goes bleep. Height: 5'0"Weight for WLS consultation: 216 lbs.Surgery date: 2/13/17Goal: -71 lbs for healthy BMI (about 145 lbs).Current weight: 158.4 lbsMy profile picture is not me. var relocateSearch = function(){ if (detectDevice() > 25){ $("#elSearch").prependTo(".ipsfocus-search"); } else { $("#elSearch").prependTo(".mobile-search"); } } Interestingly, theres talk on the interwebs about whether NuvaRings and menstrual cups are actually visible to airport body scanners, because plenty of modest travelers are worried that the machine can see all the way up their vadges. Interestinggggggg. A pat down is routine in cases where the scanner alerts. As airport scanners generally show solid masses on the surface area of a persons body and/or in their clothing, it is possible that they may detect tumors. "@type": "Person", In 2018, a man was arrested for trying to bring a knife through a body scanner. }, "image": "https://s.bariatricpal.com/uploads/monthly_2017_12/M_member_301190.png", Well, one way to find out whether it's metal setting them off is to head to your local courthouse (or ballpark) and see if the metal detectors there set them off. "userInteractionCount": 16 { { "dateCreated": "2017-05-31T15:29:19+0000", "@id": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/988-weight-loss-surgery-forums/", The image above shows what a TSA . The scanners use harmless nonionizing radiation, which means it does not damage DNA or cells. I have smuggled recreational drugs inside me via airplane and ensure that I have no.metal on me. } else { Its almost always under my arms or under my breasts, which is where my flare ups are. var classContent = $(this).attr('data-class'); No, all TSA body scanners do not use the same technology. Do you have any idea WTF could be going on?! So I then had the hand held wand detector and a pat down. detectDevice(); I didn't say anything and just let her do her job but it kinda sucks. Hi, I know Im super late to this thread, but I just went through this like five minutes ago. 2 2.Why Do I Set Off Airport Body Scanners Groin & How To Avoid It; 3 3.Dear TSA: My medical condition is not a threat to airport security; 4 4."My Crotch Sets Off the TSA Scanner. Depending on the type of machine, ionizing radiation is used to identify objects that may be hidden by passengers and to create images of what is in luggage. if(typeof(refresh_slots) == "undefined") { I can't imagine skin triggering the alert. In fact, back in October an abandoned package containing a snow globe appeared so suspicious that it caused the evacuation of Bradley International Airport in Connecticut. // Hide post controls if empty $(targetElement).toggleClass(className); var targetElement = classModifiers[2]; }, The lady waiting on the other side gestured me towards her and asked about my knees, and really, they showed up yellow on the scan, one slightly more so than the other. My stomach hangs out like an over stuffed fanny pack. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. I don't like being held up while my valuables travel onwards in their little black plastic trays ready for just anyone to pick up and make off with. FML "Sir no hard objects can be carried on the plane..". var cachedDevice = detectDevice(); FML. { in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums, By There is no requirement to remove earrings when going through airport security. I usuuuuually remember to just wear wire free bras, but oh man is it a little embarrassing when you get pulled aside and asked if you are wearing a bra. "dateCreated": "2017-05-31T14:42:37+0000", They keep asking me if I have something in my pockets. The experience can be upsetting, invasive, and retraumatizing for travelers. In 2014, a man was arrested for trying to bring a bomb through a body scanner. (Reuters Health) - A traveler with a bulge in their body from a cyst or hernia might get flagged for an invasive airport security screening to look for explosives, a case report suggests. As I stepped out of the scanner, a TSA agent asked me to step to the side. }, I opted for a private screening with the presence of my travel companion and an additional TSA agent and experienced a rubdown and patting of my waist, crotch, and buttocks, after which they tested me and their gloves for residue. }); Believe it or not, the liquid contents of most crystal balls surpass the 3.4-ounce limit and, consequently, aren't allowed in carry-ons. I've had a new pair of jeans set of scanners apparently because they had on them some substance that was misread as gunpowder residue. Wow. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. { Press J to jump to the feed. "text": "I flew for the first time since losing 145lbs. googletag.defineSlot('/15547294/BP_Sidebar_125x125_SQ3', [125, 125], 'div-gpt-ad-SQ3').addService(googletag.pubads()); "comment": [ TSA proceeded to completely dismantle my bag trying to figure out what set the scanner off, then at the very, very bottom (after taking almost everything out for the entire line to view . I thought it was odd at the time but brushed it off. "@type": "Comment", The metal detectors don't register pins in legs, false hips etc anything under the skin. How Do I Give A Blow Job Without Gagging? I have the pair shaped body and have saddlebags on the side of my thighs and the fanny pack lower stomach. in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A, By For those who haven't experienced or witnessed it, here's the deal: The TSA agent touches every part of your body, in public. // Relocate search bar "author": { Some security devices use ionizing radiation to scan luggage. Medical X-rays can detect drugs inside the body because they penetrate the body and show the outline of the organs and tissues. }, } I always go through the full-body machine through Philly. "text": "No belts or anything of the sort. Conclusion. So there you have it! I entered the airport, checked in, and went to stand in line for my security check. The elves have gone to get your medical chart to check that last point. var _d_site = _d_site || '91477E68AE0F3B83C4E72821'; var mappingT1P1; { "dateCreated": "2017-06-01T15:33:18+0000", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/397090-tsa-body-scan-anomaly-after-surgery/" Most body scanners I have come across while travelling, are the L2 ProVision or L3 ProVision, these machines work by using 2 rotating transmitters that bounce electromagnetic waves through clothing and off the skin of a traveler to detect anomalies (it is not an x-ray and it is completely safe, which is why those with pacemakers or metal . "author": { One time, I just wasn't thinking and wore a dress that had these little sparkles on it. // END Shopify Context "text": "WOW! "position": 1, ", .visely-recommendation-item .spr-badge-caption {display: none;} var ViselyIntegration = 'external'; .visely-recommendations-container .product__image img { height: 100%; width:100%; object-fit: contain; display:none; } .visely-widget-container:before { content: 'small'; display: none; } Find Out Why Gen Z is Falling In Love with this Bronx-Based Rapper, Wednesdays Christina Ricci Opens Up About Mental Health, Motherhood, and Being a 90s Icon: BUST Exclusive Interview, Is Reselling Thrifted Clothing Sustainable or Selfish? How Much Does A Gallon Ziplock Bag Weigh? var CKEDITOR_BASEPATH = '//www.bariatricpal.com/applications/core/interface/ckeditor/ckeditor/'; Thanks for posting about this! @media only screen and (max-width: 383px) {} Brandy Crawford Underneath, I had a pair of bike shorts, longer than underwear but not long enough to be seen under the dress. TravelPander.Com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. One of the most common questions about the scanners is what sets off the alarm that is located in the groin area of the paper doll image that is displayed on the monitor. I'm no big fan of a lot of the measures the TSA have in place, but doing that is like turning around at a DUI checkpoint - you're basically asking them to escalate the situation. I didn't trigger the alarms when walking through the regular detector, just when I went through the full body scanner where you have to lift you arms over your head. ] "url": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/397090-tsa-body-scan-anomaly-after-surgery/?do=findComment\u0026comment=4469402", ips.setSetting( 'emoji_style', jQuery.parseJSON('"native"') ); "url": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/profile/301190-melunruh/" Today, I learned that your crotch can just light up on the body scanner in the airport for no apparent reason; and when that happens, a thorough pat down of that area will be performed by a confused security officer. Body scanners use a different type of technology that does not penetrate the body, so it cannot detect drugs inside the body. My stomach hangs out like an over stuffed fanny pack. No, interestingly the only time Ive ever flown I was in the middle of a huge flair up. . "url": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/profile/319848-oneiannie/" My VSG is March 3rd. I\u0027ve only lost 65lbs but I have extra skin on my inner thighs. } It's called Advanced Imaging Technology or AIT. According to the website Scan-X Security, underwire bras might also get you flagged when going through the body scanner or metal detector. Please stop downvoting me just because I want clarification, I already said I am thankful I just want some clearer answers if anyone has any, thanks for reading. googletag.defineSlot('/15547294/BP_Sidebar_125x125_SQ4', [125, 125], 'div-gpt-ad-SQ4').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.defineSlot('/15547294/BP_Sidebar_300x250_S1', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-S1').addService(googletag.pubads()); "name": "Oneiannie", Hi! var len=toLength(items.length);var A=isCallable(C)?Object(new C(len)):new Array(len);var k=0;var kValue;while(k