My bras underwire and an area at the back of one of my knees are always the culprit (no idea what is going on with the back of my knee as I dont have any pins or anything like that). There are a few reasons why a traveler might get flagged for an invasive airport security screening when they have a bulge in their groin area. That process is specifically for travelers who are repeatedly selected for additional screeningindicating they may accidentally be on a watch listwho want to have their file corrected with the Department of Homeland Security. Stay safe out there, people. baseURL: "//www.bariatricpal.com/", notification_imgURL: "", The TSA uses metal detectors and backscatter x-ray machines to detect metal objects hidden on or in peoples bodies. "interactionType": "http://schema.org/CommentAction", Aww man, guess I better prepare myself bc both of the airports I'll be flying through have those full body scanners!!! September 9, 2016. Credit: DAVID PRASAD Flickr. How do you answer this question, Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first. I ask because I know the body scanners don't do well with people who have big boobs, butts, or even hair. "dateCreated": "2017-06-02T20:39:21+0000", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/397090-tsa-body-scan-anomaly-after-surgery/" Barium discovered in the atmosphere of an exoplanet. "author": { in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A, By I read this post last night and went thru security and she asked if anything was in my left pocket which is near my groin thats inflamed I dont like that! As you know now, the scanner could be detecting a medical problem. The TSA uses metal detectors and full-body scanners to screen passengers for metal objects and other threats. Airport body scanners alert the TSO to threatsmainly weapons such as knives, guns and explosives. $(".closeMessage").on('click', function(){ He showed me the scan and yes it shows a bunch of yellow spots all over belly and inner thigh area. I always tell them I've lost over 100 lbs and it's loose skin, but they pat me down anyway. 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. I routinely get patted down after going through the scanners. I do have a lot of loose skin there. It's called Advanced Imaging Technology or AIT. "url": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/profile/318297-savagegirl/" And I pretty much always have a breakout. "@type": "Comment", 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()); "dateCreated": "2017-06-07T04:06:08+0000", .complete .visely-recommendations-container, .visely-recommendations-title.complete { opacity: 1; } Yo this is so weird!! Are you able to go back to the clear protein drinks they recommend in the "clear liquid" phase? 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. "image": "https://s.bariatricpal.com/uploads/monthly_2017_12/M_member_301190.png", Allie Cat, February 7 ", // END Polyfill They keep asking me if I have something in my pockets. "position": 1, She demurred, saying she didn't like . If you have any metal objects in your pockets, be sure to remove them before going through the scanner. These procedures can be invasive of everyone's privacy and are of particular concern to transgender . 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. }, Norfolk. .visely-recommendations-container .product__image img { height: 100%; width:100%; object-fit: contain; display:none; } googletag.defineSlot('/15547294/BP_Header_845x60_HT1', [845, 60], 'div-gpt-ad-HT1').addService(googletag.pubads()); I am reading some stuff online that says they should have allowed me to go through the body scanner again or consented to a visual inspection instead but I'm not sure if that's outdated information. "dateCreated": "2017-06-02T22:29:24+0000", relocateSearch(); Started 14 hours ago, By Starting Weight: 310 lbs. "image": "https://s.bariatricpal.com/uploads/monthly_2017_06/Avatar1496436458.921951.thumb.jpg.b95ed48a78ce61280040e287d1282953.jpg", It's a millimetre wave scanner not x-ray (well in all European airports anyway). n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; "dateCreated": "2017-06-03T01:56:51+0000", I've only lost 65lbs but I have extra skin on my inner thighs. No pun intended. Why did my groin get flagged at TSA? googletag.pubads().refresh(refresh_slots); 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. If you are selected for screening, you will be asked to remove all metal objects from your body and pass through the metal detector or full-body scanner. Submit ithere!--. "@type": "Comment", I never do, and Im a frequent flyer (pre-pandemic) and worked somewhere for 5 years that had me frequently going through metal detectors. window.addEventListener('load', function() {viselyForumInit();}); if (modifyClass === 'add'){ $(window).resize(debounce(function(){ var newDevice = detectDevice(); if(newDevice !== cachedDevice){ What happens if TSA finds a joint? ips.setSetting( 'emoji_ascii', jQuery.parseJSON('"1"') ); As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases, About Us Privacy Policy DisclaimerContact Us. What would have happened if I had just left the airport instead of consenting to the screening? 1. If you have a metal implant in your groin, the TSA may be able to detect it during a pat-down search. "position": 2, } "image": "https://s.bariatricpal.com/uploads/monthly_2017_12/C_member_257598.png", relocateSearch(); It can detect a wide range of metallic and non-metallic risks in seconds. Started Yesterday at 06:58 PM, By "@id": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/5-gastric-bypass-surgery-forums/", .visely-recommendations-container .product__prices div.price-container span:nth-child(2):not(:only-child) { color: #e36fab;font-weight: 600;font-size: 13px;margin-left: 5px;line-height: 13px; text-decoration: line-through !important; } I was 266 pounds. What to do: Plan ahead and pack "conformable" liquids in the bags you'll be checking. Contents show 1 Can you go through security at an airport if you're not Can You See Someone Off At The Airport? } else { A regular part of traveling today is going through the airport body scanner before boarding your flight. Surgery Date: 05/08/2017. "item": { "addressRegion": null, The settings are low enough to keep watches and pens from setting off the machines but high enough to spot a handgun. The newest scanners can indeed "see" breast implants, but you certainly don't need to tell TSA officials they are there--they can see that for themselves. // Bug fix: The resize event is triggered when tablets and mobiles are scrolled, breaking the search bar in Android and Chrome Enter their last name below to start! I told the TSA employee that I had had a knee replacement. 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. ips.setSetting( 'shopifyUrl', jQuery.parseJSON('"https:\/\/store.bariatricpal.com"') ); "@type": "Comment", "@type": "Comment", Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Weight Lost: 160 lbs. 4. 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. Location. Posted June 2, 2017. I\u0027ve only lost 65lbs but I have extra skin on my inner thighs. Consensus has been that it is not the staples because they are very tiny and would not trigger scan. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Answer (1 of 8): This happened to me also on my last trip through security. $(document).ready(function(){ I get stopped on every other flight to the US for the extra security checks. 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. 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. "image": "https://s.bariatricpal.com/uploads/monthly_2017_12/C_member_257598.png", .visely-pagination ul { width: 100%; display: table; table-layout: fixed; background-color: #e3e3e3; margin: 0; padding: 0; } 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?). The elves have gone to get your medical chart to check that last point. Oneiannie, May 31, 2017 in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums. This is really common for people losing massive amounts of weight, btw WOW! "text": "I flew for the first time since losing 145lbs. 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. "@type": "Comment", Airport scanners, including backscatter and millimeter-wave scanners, can both see through clothes. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Jonestina By You may request a pat-down search instead of going through the metal detector or full-body scanner. - FML. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The simple answer is you can't just avoid security pat downs no matter what paperwork you have. "url": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/profile/313007-nina-k/" Same just happened to me. Yeah weird I totally get it 90% of the time. When we flew Arizona to Chicago I was picked to do a full body scan. The software throws in random false positives to keep staff awake, on their toes and test them. Many airports have replaced X-ray machines with . { }, As I stepped out of the scanner, a TSA agent asked me to step to the side. "@type": "InteractionCounter", Every time (I fly a lot). Got a sex or relationship question you need answered? I had an extensive search over my compound pain medication. By Lisa Rapaport. } Didn't weigh as of yet. Body scanners are more detailed and can provide a more complete image of the hidden object. However, I'm finally flying again this weekend (and next to get home) and I've got some small spots, so we'll see how this goes! .visely-recommendations-container,.visely-recommendations-title{-webkit-transition:opacity 1.5s ease-out;-moz-transition:opacity 1.5s ease-out;-o-transition:opacity 1.5s ease-out;opacity:0}.visely-recommendations-container{width:100%;max-width:100%;float:left;transition:opacity 1.5s ease-out}.visely-recommendations-title{padding: 10px 0;transition:opacity 1.5s ease-out;clear:both;text-align:center}.visely-widget-container .visely-widget-wrapper{position:relative}div.next-arrow,div.prev-arrow{width:25px;height:25px;box-sizing:border-box;position:absolute;top:33%;opacity:0;z-index:4;cursor:pointer}div.next-arrow.complete,div.prev-arrow.complete{-webkit-transition:opacity 1.5s ease-out;-moz-transition:opacity 1.5s ease-out;-o-transition:opacity 1.5s ease-out;transition:opacity 1.5s ease-out;opacity:1}div.prev-arrow{left:-15px}div.next-arrow{right:-15px} Anyone else experience this or other things at the airport and suspect it was your extra skin?\n", "@type": "ListItem", Theres also one more possibility to consider. } Height: 5 feet 10 inches. Don't want to scare you, but the scanners are low powered X-rays, and you may have a tumor. 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. }); And even if you've followed protocol and taken everything out of your pockets, you can still get flagged. We're bringing you this Q&A from the Sex Files in our September/October 2019 print issue, featuring advice from sexologist Dr. Carol Queen. I went through airport security this morning and, for the first time, through one of those new body scanners. Why do I always set off airport body scanners? "@type": "Person", "@type": "Person", header photo courtesy of Ross Parmly via unsplashed. If a large cyst or mass appears to stick up above the skin or body outline around it, or looks like a solid mass compared to the area around it, the scanner may reflect that, said Dr. That's why a recently developed full-body scanner is going back to the drawing board, the LA Times reports. "@type": "Comment", Safety measures are in place to make sure it does not expose workers and travelers to high-levels of . "@context": "http://www.schema.org", } How did you lose so much weight? }, When I go through them they randomly flag areas of interest which really aren't - there's nothing there. Aww man, guess I better prepare myself bc both of the airports I'll be flying through have those full body scanners!!! Other possible reasons include wearing metal jewelry or being black or overweight. I didn't mind the pat down because I appreciate airport security when I'm going to be on a plane. It is something about the extra skin that confuses scan. I always go through the full-body machine through Philly. TSA body scanners may be more likely to trigger false alarms if you're black or overweight. Thanks for the heads up, ladies! It's my "FITspiration" body. "url": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/397090-tsa-body-scan-anomaly-after-surgery/?do=findComment\u0026comment=4469402", A TSA security checkpoint. }, I don't fly often, and it's been so long now that I'm unsure if I was flaring the last time I got patted down, but I've only set off the scanner a few times though. "url": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/397090-tsa-body-scan-anomaly-after-surgery/?do=findComment\u0026comment=4467222", in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums, By Both types of scanners are effective at detecting items that may be a threat to security. $(targetElement).removeClass(className); }, Brandy Crawford "url": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/profile/301190-melunruh/" ] if(arguments.length>2){T=arguments[2]}} (It's my box in a box!) "dateCreated": "2017-06-07T04:37:16+0000", "text": "Oh wow! Happy travels! .visely-recommendation-item .badge--sale {margin: 5px; color: #ffffff; border-radius: 5px; display: block; font-size: 13px; padding: 1px 4px; position: absolute; right: 0; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; top: 0; min-width: 55px; width:auto; z-index: 3; height: 35px; line-height: 35px;background-color: #e36fab; } A few airports will issue an airport gate pass to anyone who wants to go through to the airport terminals. In 2012, a man was arrested for trying to bring a loaded gun through a body scanner. "@type": "Comment", cachedDevice = newDevice; "logo": "https://r.bariatricpal.com/uploads/monthly_2018_10/logo.png.13014fc8659df17527ebe62b18103bd0.png", "author": { document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); There are a few things that can set off TSA body scanners, including thick hair, being overweight, and having socks bunched up. Read More Interestinggggggg. cookie_path: "/", \n", Download BariatricPal for your Android Device. 2hats said: It's a millimetre wave scanner not x-ray (well in all European airports anyway). 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. Who Is Ice Spice? The thought definitely never would have crossed my mind. Bra underwires of course might trigger it but I'd say the majority of women wear underwires. Sign up for a new account in our community. GreenTealael, July 24, 2018 Started Yesterday at 06:30 PM, By }, 0 ); "interactionType": "http://schema.org/ViewAction", New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. "@type": "BreadcrumbList", I always trigger the body scan too. "There is something in yourgroin area that is setting off the machine. var mappingH1; Hi! "author": { TSA agents are trained to deal with false alarms, and in most cases, the passenger just needs to remove the item that is causing the problem. In 2017, a man was arrested for trying to bring a gun through a body scanner. New ATI scanners have been designed to provide passengers with more privacy by showing only a generic outline, which cannot indicate gender or body type.. see details . Radiation Facts. CustomEvent.prototype=window.Event.prototype;window.CustomEvent=CustomEvent})();if(!Array.from){Array.from=(function(){var toStr=Object.prototype.toString;var isCallable=function(fn){return typeof fn==='function'||toStr.call(fn)==='[object Function]'};var toInteger=function(value){var number=Number(value);if(isNaN(number)){return 0} }; I had read about this on prior discussions on this board. I flew from Chicago to Arizona no problem because I didn\u0027t get picked to do the full body scan. links_external: true, It\u0027s the loose skin because I never wear belts and never have anything in my pockets. Kris Poole, February 17 event.preventDefault(); In 2011, a womans insulin pump was set off by a body scanner, but she was still able to get through security. WTF indeed Sex ologist Dr. Carol Queen suggests why a woman's crotch sets off the TSA scanner at the airport. Do you have any idea WTF could be going on?! Im not sure what else could be causing this, but here are some other reasons folks get stopped all the time. omrhsn, February 16 But, if you trigger an alarm going through the scanner the TSA officer might decide to do a physical pat-down. ;(function(e,t,n,r){e.fn.doubleTapToGo=function(r){if(! In 2015, a man was arrested for trying to bring a gun through a body scanner. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/397090-tsa-body-scan-anomaly-after-surgery/" "userInteractionCount": 7298 No belts or anything of the sort. } "text": "WOW! in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions. // http://osvaldas.info/drop-down-navigation-responsive-and-touch-friendly Its super embarrassing and a huge hassle. var CKEDITOR_BASEPATH = '//www.bariatricpal.com/applications/core/interface/ckeditor/ckeditor/'; So I'm just assuming my skin and fat in that area are the reason I was flagged both times. Depending on how the machine is calibrated, bra underwires can trip the sensors, as can some jewelry, hair gizmos, and metal bits on your clothing or in your shoes. How do y'all deal with the pat downs, though? Until people on this site learn to be kind to each other and use their adult words instead of words like "ick" or "icky", I'm out. According to a TSA spokesperson, the alarm is triggered when the scanner detects an object in the pocket of the passengers pants. I can\u0027t imagine skin triggering the alert. TSA airport body scanner may be more likely to produce false alarms against . Keep us posted on your progress. The FAA sets standards for airport detectors, and they're supposed to be tested daily. Erin18, January 9 It is something about the extra skin that confuses scan. Consensus has been that it is not the staples because they are very tiny and would not trigger scan. $(targetElement).toggleClass(className); ("ontouchstart"in t)&&!navigator.msMaxTouchPoints&&!navigator.userAgent.toLowerCase().match(/windows phone os 7/i))return false;this.each(function(){var t=false;e(this).on("click",function(n){var r=e(this);if(r[0]!=t[0]){n.preventDefault();t=r}});e(n).on("click touchstart MSPointerDown",function(n){var r=true,i=e(n.target).parents();for(var s=0;s