Traveling with a WLS

I know a few of you travel alot with your RNYs.  
How does that work out for you.  I have a chance to change positions, and the new position requires traveling (sometimes 2 weeks at a time)

I figure I'll be out 3 weeks in Feb, but once I get back on the horse will probably be traveling again.

Any issues?  Im excited to have a chance at this position, but I dont want it ruining my surgery and the recovery/progress

I had a little trouble with the first trip I took when I was only 2 months post-op (it was hard finding things to eat in restaurants, so I was VERY glad I had taken my own supply of things I knew I could eat -- like some of those tunafish "lunch kits"), but I have not had any trouble since then.  I do, however, always take some packets of protein powder, some protein or high-protein cereal bars, some nuts and some no-sugar fruit chews so I have "emergency" food supplies if needed.

Take the new position... you will be FINE!

Lora

Driving of course is easier than flying, but it can be done.  Checked luggage is easier than carry-on.  Try to keep protein powders in their original individual packets.  I actually found that I could "do" Carnation Instant Breakfast NSA mixed with milk (available at any hotel breakfast buffet or restaurant) easier than my usual protein mixes.  Protein bars are easy, too. 

I also don't feel bad about ordering and eating what parts of a meal I want.  Early out, I made sure we always went to restaurants where I could get good soups like clam chowder or chili. 

I am almost 3 years out and if I ever travel I always make sure I have my protein bars with me, in fact I always make sure I have a healthy protein snack in my purse at all times. It's very hard when you are away from home, and I always find it hard when invited to someone's house, being a vegetarian myself makes it that little more difficult, but I make it work by making sure I have my little "stash" on me.

When did you have your surgery?

I'm going to have the RNY.  I've been teetering back and forth, but I saw the surgeon last Wednesday and asked her about it and in a matter of seconds both she and her assistant stated I sholud have the RNY.  I've done alot of soul seaching and I think the RNY is the best for me.

(Sorry about the delayed response... was hoping I'd hear back sooner with regards to the job

Hi Tony,

I am two years out from RNY. I travel a lot for my job (16 out of 18 weeks this summer). When I had the surgery, I took six weeks off from travel, mainly because it was six weeks before I got to the soft food stage and knew I'd never be able to eat in restaurants before that.

I echo the sentiments of the others here. It is very doable with a little planning. I usually try to stay in Hotels that have free continental breakfast (HI Express, Hampton, Fairfield, etc). I always take the Quaker Weight Control oatmeal with me. (Never had a problem in either checked or carry on bagage), and each morning take my envelope down and mix with milk. The Weight Control is higher in protein than other oatmeal, and making it with skim milk gives you more protein. Some of the hotels are even now having eggs on their continental buffets.

I also always pack two protein bars (I like the Pure Protein brand ones, Wal-Mart sells them) per day. I have one mid-morning and one mid-afternoon. I also pack the drink mix packets that you dump in a bottle of water. Usually my first stop when I get into whatever town is a grocery or convenience store to buy a 12 or 24 pack of bottled water. I also sometimes buy nuts for an evening snack.

Even many of the fast food places are now offering bariatric friendly items. For example, McDonalds and Wendy's have the grilled chicken snack wraps (yummy and a perfect bariatric portion). Subway you can get anything on a wrap or a salad. Wendy's chili is another good choice.

It was funny, at first when I was travelling right after the surgery, I had MANY waitresses ask me...is there something wrong with your food??? Just because I was eating so little. I'd just smile and say no, just full :-) I wasn't used to ever saying that prior to surgery!

So I say GO FOR IT! If it's a better job and you want the travel, then don't let WLS stop you. Just be warned that business travel is FAR from glamourous! I've been in this position about 4 years and seriously considering if I want to keep traveling or not.

Best of luck, let us know what you decide!

Brett

I love that weight control oatmeal... good stuff! 
I signed the acceptance letter this morning :-)

CONGRATULATIONS!

Bring yourself some staples just in case, but honestly, I found that many restaurants and especially room service will make me just about whatever I ask for as long as they have the ingredients on hand.  I just tell them I have some special dietary requirements and dictate what and how I want it prepared.   Nowadays, 3 years out, I don't have to be as picky, but it wasn't difficult at all even my first year with the traveling. 

Really good idea with the room service.  I just thought of something... the last time I traveled I went to the grocery to stock up on bottled water for my trip.   La Quinta Inns are fairly good about a fridge in the room.  Just need to make sure I have a fridge and I can keep a stock of protien powders, and milk.