10 Simple Ways to Stay On Track During Your Vacation After Bariatric Surgery

June 23, 2017

One thing that I was always lucky enough to do when I was growing up was going on vacations every year with my family. Gratefully, I have adventure-seeking parents who brought my brother and me along for the amazing adventures. Family vacations and friend-cations are still a very common occurrence for me today.

When I first had my Duodenal Switch surgery in 2010, it was only four short months later that I went on Spring Break to Cabo San Lucas for my college graduation. As a 21-year-old soon-to-be college graduate, I made sure to have a blast. I quickly realized that not only was my life different after surgery but now I needed to learn how to travel and vacation differently to make sure I’m taking care of my tool and that my tool is taking care of me.

Countless vacations internationally, domestically and stay-cations have given me a wealth of lessons learned.  Below are 10 simple and easy ways that will help you stay on track during your vacation.  Whether you are plopping down on a beach chair at an all-inclusive, or hiking a Yucatan Trail, these will help you stay on track after bariatric surgery and enjoy your adventure!

10 Ways To Stay On Track On Vacation After Bariatric Surgery

	Do Your Research You can’t go into a situation blind.  Not anymore.  You have to know where you are staying.  There are different tiers of hotels and different types of resorts and they all have different amenities.  There are also different rules in different countries. Make a list of things you want to know. No matter where you are going, ask if there is a fridge in the room or a kitchenette, this will make bringing your own food or shopping locally for staples a lot easier.
	Go In With A Plan And Stick With It When you go in with a plan, it’s less stressful and anxiety provoking.  Having a plan could be the difference between enjoying that seafood buffet in a smart way and spending the evening in the restroom regretting it. The most effective plan that has worked for me on any trip is the following:  prioritize the protein, eat little and often, stay hydrated, bring my vitamins everywhere, keep a protein reserve on me at all times and plan my treats.
	Bring Your Own Staples On every trip I’ve been on since having surgery, I have packed my own meals or my own protein reserves.  Pre-pack baggies of your protein powder with 1-2 scoops of protein in each baggie and keep a few with you everywhere you go.  Good quality protein bars, raw nuts like almonds or cashews and air sealed packets of tuna have saved me more times than I can count when coming face to face with a baguette. Word to the wise, bring your own stash of plastic baggies.  When you see those hard boiled eggs at the breakfast buffet…you know what to do.
	Eat Local One of the most fun ways to learn about a culture is to experience their cuisine.  When you eat locally, especially out of the United States, there are foods that are locally grown and dishes that are locally made and guess what…it’s REAL food. Stick to eating local treats. Keep in mind to be conscious of the breads, pastries and unnecessary carbs.
	Stay Hydrated This one doesn’t need an explanation, does it?
	Plan For A Surprise You can plan and plan until your eyes are crossed, something will always go wrong.  How do you overcome this? Prepare for it. Plan two dinners or outings where you know that you are going to want to indulge a bit.  Plan to stay active these days and plan to get back to the plan the day after.
	Keep A Positive Attitude We have all fallen victim to our own saying and old mindset of, “well I’m on vacation.”  Well played, but that doesn’t mean you have to totally let go to the point of self-destruction. This is your vacation yes, so enjoy it!  Explore new places, try new things, meet new people, walk around and explore until your feet throb.  Being on vacation doesn’t mean taking a break from keeping yourself healthy and taking care of yourself.
	Incorporate Fitness/Being Active Traveling is the best workout, why?  You are walking EVERYWHERE.  No matter where you are going, make exploring on foot a top priority. All of the steps you see, all of the hills you cross…take them.  You are active and capable. You can get in a workout without a gym and enjoy your surroundings. Your weight doesn’t have to hold you back from seeing the world anymore…take advantage! Just be safe and make sure you always have a travel buddy with you whom you trust.
	Give Your Vacation Purpose Why are you on this vacation?  Did you need a break from a stressful job?  Do you want to spark that marriage flame?  Are you seeking personal enlightenment?  Does the family need some bonding time?  Whatever reason you have for taking this trip…focus on that and really give it your full attention.
	Have A Blast! Life gets really stressful sometimes. Bills pile up, the boss is on your case, the house is a mess and you can’t keep your to-do list straight.  You NEED some fun in your life.  Let yourself have fun, forget your stress and just enjoy being somewhere new and exciting.  Life is so incredibly short.  These are the moments you will look back on and remember with a smile.

Happy and healthy travels!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lyss Remaly had WLS in 2010 after her highest weight of 350lbs. She revised from Lap-Band to a Duodenal Switch. After changing her habits, she became certified as a personal trainer and behavior change specialist to help others do the same. Lyss is a Bariatric Lifestyle Coach, Certified Personal Trainer and a competitive Natural Bodybuilder. Catch up with Lyss at FitnFabulyss Read more of Lyss' articles!

---