The following is an update (copy of an email) from Lap-Band Systems,

Vern Vincent, Sr. Director, Global Professional Education

"I think the recession is over.  Must be, as apparently everyone is flying more again, and an old question has been coming in as if someone rang a bell. 

Q: Will the port of a LAP-BAND(R) System set off the metal detector as a patient goes through airport screening? 

A: It depends.  By itself, no.  But taken in collection with a few rings, some jewelry, random coins and belt buckle, maybe yes.

Airport screening equipment are simply metal detectors.  We all know that no two are set at the same intensity or level as we walk though some with no alarm and others require a birthday suite to not trigger the thing.  However, they all work the same.  If the net total mass of metals exceeds some set limit, then the alarm sounds and you get a pat down.  The metal in the port is Titanium, the least ferrous-metal possible (the least magnetic or “metal-like” choice).  This is why MRIs are okay for a band patient.  If the port was made of steel or nickel or some other highly ferrous-magnetic metal, then perhaps it would be enough to set off a detector by itself.   If a person has other metals; fillings, ear rings, rings, necklace, watch, belt buckle… and an access port, then the total mass will probably trigger the alarm.  Lose the easy stuff, like we are all suppose to, and the port alone should not trigger the alarm."

Allergan Medical  71 S. Los Carneros (Mail Stop: LC-MH), Goleta, CA 93117

P  (805) 961-5273   F (805) 681-5749  C  (805) 637-3125  

 vincent_vern@allergan.com 

Sr. Director, Global Professional Education