Vacations....

Ok so took my first post-op vacations... road trip to Georgia.  Got the ok from my Dr. before I left so I made sure we stopped every couple hours to walk around since we are so open to blood clots after surgery and stuff.  

I actually survived the world of fast food/alcohol.....WAS THAT HARD!!!   While everyone was eating their hearts out I sat there with my protein shakes LOL

I'm glad to be home though... no temptations thrown into my face.  But my reason for posting is for all of those who have had their surgery's awhile back, how do you go on vacation and stick to the plan??  Is alcohol and the occasional carb completely gone for good or have you figured out a balance??? 

Thanks everyone!

I actually just lost 2 pounds on a week vacation.  I ate very good food, in small portions.  I had some desserts that I don't eat at home. I had some alcohol.  I've learned that I can eat what I want in bandster portions and stay in control.  Some might not be able to do that, but I did it on our trip last year and will also do that again when family comes for their once a year trip to our home at the end of July.  This is for life and it's not a diet for me, it's living.  I just don't eat pasta, bread or rice.  I also want to keep my band safe, so I watch the volume of food I eat.

I'm not much of a drinker but I do still drink alcohol when we go out just not as much or I get loopy to fast


I have been out on small mini vacations and I eat what I did before. I just make some better choices and I still enjoy all them foods .

When you can start eating solids again just dont deprive yourself to much or you will go into eating binges.  The band isn't in you for you not to ever eat them foods again , its there to teach you to eat them foods in moderation .

Moderation not Deprivation. I live by that rule 100% of the time .

Im going to Disney in 2 yrs and trust me Im not going to be eating all h ealthy all the time Im going to enjoy myself but enjoy myself by moderation not being a piggy this time around like I was in 09 lol.

I tend to lose a few pounds on vacation...I think because I am more active in the locales with more sunshine and less rain!  Also we tend to eat very conservatively when eating out and just do yogurt, Kashi, fruit and nuts for food during the day.

When I was loosing I stuck to my food plan even on vacation. I found that most resturaunts had something I could eat, basically a protien and a veggie. Of course, I stayed away from buffetts. I lost my usual 2 pounds a week while away in Myrtle Beach for 10 days. I was thrilled. Now that I am maintaining on the other hand, I eat what I want when on vacation, or over a holiday. I make up for it by cutting back before and after the occassion. I have to admit, I am working on striking a better balance in general in terms of my eating. Anyway, just what I do. Whatever you decide, focus on the people and places around you, not just on the food.

I have lost a little over 100% of my excess weight.

I travel alot (and have for my whole band journey).  I eat at restaurants and enjoy an occasional alcoholic beverage.

Generally, I sip some wine while I am waiting for my meal --- skip the bread and when my food arrives, I segregate 1/4 of it on the plate.

I move that portion to my bread plate, or I just eat it off of the dinner plate.

I try to split a dinner with a co-worker, but if not, I just leave the rest behind.

I stick to the principle of 'protein, veggie --- and a little bit of carb'.

Some people are more 'carb sensitive' than others -- so, figure out for yourself what you can tolerate.  I don't eat sweets, but I do eat a little bit of pasta, or potato (carefully).

Glad you survived the first vacation since surgery -- they will all be easier after this one!

I too lost weight last year on my vacation. I think I pay a lot more attention to what I choose to eat while on vacation, knowing what could happen. I think you will learn to balance. I do occasionally have a drink and yes I do eat carbs, but like Kristi I try really hard to stay away from certain carbs. Almost 2 years out, I don't look at it as a diet at all, it is just the way I eat.

I just got back eeearly this morning from a week in California visiting my new grandbaby.

First stop i made was to pick up cottage cheese, greek yogurt and some salads to keep in the hotel fridge.  And i made reasonable choices when we went out to eat.  It helped that my band tightened up on me ferociously, too.  I did take a small bite here and there of tempting items, but i came home 1.5 pounds lighter than i left.

I also used the hotel exercise facilities, walked a bunch, swam a little, etc.  Alcohol has never been much of a temptation for me, and since my daughter is nursing she isn't drinking either, so that wasn't a problem.

I think an occasional treat is fine, at home or away.  Just be mindful and don't completely go crazy.  :D

A year after I had lapband surgery (its been 4 years now) we took a family vacation to Gatlinburg TN.  I stopped by my surgeons office and got a fill on the way to vacation...I was on liquids for 24 hours and I was not eatting much since I was so tight and we walked every where (in the middle of July) all day....I ended up losing 10 lbs that week!

Thanks guys for all your responses!  Deff made me feel like I'm going to be able to do this either at home or on the road.  I cheated and jumped on the scale this am... it was calling my name LOL So obviously I didn't do so bad sticking to the plan and following the guidlines (hate saying rules, makes you want to break them LOL) since i did cont to loose.  Walking around River St and where ever else we went obviously helped.

I can't thank you all enough... its like I have this group of friends  that I can ask questions, get personal experiences, and unlimited support. (Plus advice on whats to come)

So thank you again! Enjoy your weekend!!!!

Nikki