Food Choices

Hi All - I was just wondering what type of food choices you make going to places like amusement parks where the menus are so limited. When I went to NH recently and we went to all the amusement places (Story Land, Santa Village, Clarks' Trading Post, etc) - the menu choices were all the same, hot dog, hamburg, chicken nuggets, fries - I managed to get chicken stuck at one of the places and it totally ruined my time! I don't want that to happen to me this weekend when we go to Sesame Place - I'm considering just getting a shake and forgetting about the food altogether - or maybe just throwing a protein bar in my bag to tide me over until dinner - I know these aren't the greatest choices in the world - but it will only be for 2 days............ So anyway what choices of food do you make when going to places like six flags, lake compounce, etc.??? Thanks in advance for any ideas! Warm Regards, Tammy

Hi Honey, I have the same problem. First, I rationalize that if it's a special occasion, I could have the full fat meat (such as regular hotdogs instead of Healthy Choice ones). Then I have to decide what is most likely to go down and not get stuck. For me, hotdog is usually ok, hamburger is ok, now (not much bun), but I had trouble 2 months ago; chicken is the hardest and most likely to get stuck; and fries (most potatoes) are usually ok. If you are in tremendous pain when stuck and it would ruin your entire afternoon (some of us can't get it up easily); then it would be smart to do protein shakes/bars and keep well hydrated. My daughter and her boyfriend took me to Beardsley Zoo and then to Maritime Aquarium on Thursday. I couldn't believe that I could walk for so long and keep up!!! Well, for lunch, I had a cheeseburger (no bun). It went down ok. Then I got ****y and had about 4" of a soft pretzel (one of my weaknesses). It was going down ok and I was sipping Crystal Lite to make sure it was juicy enough. The last bite got stuck---- like crazy glue. We had to hurry and get to the IMAX dinosaur movie. It was all stairs up to the top where my daughter wanted to sit. The bathroom was down all those stairs and I didn't want to go down and then have to find my way back up in the dark. I had been walking since 8am and it was 3pm by then and I thought my knees were going to give out. So I sat- in so much pain, thru the entire movie, fighting not to swallow all the mucusy bubbles that were magically forming in my mouth. What the hell is that all about, anyway?????? That makes more pressure on whatever is stuck. I was wishing I had a paper cup to bring it up in, I think I might have tried, in the dark, in front of all those people, that's how much it hurt. I was scared that I might projectile vomit in front of everyone. About 15 minutes before the movie ended (stupid movie, by the way), whatever was stuck went down. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!! I took a little sip, then a few minutes later I took a few sips. Everything was ok and I drank half of the bottle of crystal lite. Thank God for small favors. I was stupid. Before we climbed those stairs, my daughter sensed something was wrong and asked me if I needed to go to the bathroom and "un-stick" myself and I said, "No", cuz I didn't want to spoil their fun. I didn't think it would be that bad. I now know that I should have gone to the restroom, gotten up whatever I could, and then I would've been free to "not" enjoy that dumb movie. At least I would not have been in pain. I think it's ok to take a chance on getting something stuck if you can get to a restroom and bring it up easily. If not, my advice is to stick to something safe. I tell myself that I will have a wonderful treat later, when I am home and safe and sound. Have you gone on the lap band forum? You can get advice from more lap banders than this forum. Love, Esther

Thank you Esther - Man can I relate to your pretzel experience that must have been so painful and hard for you! I learned my lesson after losing it at Clarks Trading post in the bathroom! I am definitely one of those people who can not bring anything up easily - it is violent and when that happens my bladder isn't too strong and it becomes very tricky if you know what I mean...........So I really appreciate your advice. I am going to bring a packet of carnation instant breakfast with me - if they don't have milk I know they'll have a milkshake - so I can treat myself a little! It is such a helpless feeling when that food is stuck - I want to avoid it at all costs!! I am not going to let food spoil my time!! Thanks for taking the time for such a thoughtful post, I appreciate your experience and advise! Tammy

Hi Tammy, I would definitly stay away from Chicken as it is something that gets me just about every time unless I am very careful. At home I Grill it then take my portion and runit thru my food processor with a little low fat mayo or chicken broth. A burger, or hot dog without the bun is ok. Packing a meal replacement bar is a real good idea as it is insurance against impulse eating. Take care and good luck!

Hi I know it is difficult - I usually will choose the hamburger - definitely no roll -also remember to take your time when eating. I find that in a situaion like that I tend to eat faster than usual and then have a problem - I also now travel with a protein bar or a canned protein shake just in case there is nothing I can eat on the menu. If I dont need it I bring it home for the next time My kids a re grown now and I miss going to theose places - cant wait for grandchildren - at least now with the weight loss I will be able to keep up with them. Have fun at Sesame Place. Betty

I've never been to SS but I go to Disney World at least once a year. They have salads and fruits (can you eat that stuff with Lapband). I'm going in for surgery on August 21st. What about packets of oatmeal? Ask for ho****er (or buy a hot tea and you get the bag separately). If your hotel room as a refrigerator, how about yogart. I'd pack protein bars (my favorite are Luna) - I hope I can still have them when I become a bandster......