International travel - protein powder and passports (crossposted to VSG board)

Yes I have.. I ordered the sample packet after asking you about it.  Yummy stuff 

Cool :)  I couldn't remember who had asked me about it.  

Do you plan to still be using Protein Shakes in 6 months?    I don't have a sleeve so I am not very familiar with your protocol --

If you are, and you take it in its original canister,  you should have no problem --- face it, protein powder smells like protein powder!

As far as the passport goes, how different do you look?   I used to travel very frequently for business and I was told by 3 different TSA agents to 'get a new license, please' --- after I lost 100 pounds.

Fortunately, I was due for a new passport, so I got both at the same time.

Your trip sounds amazing!!

I plan to keep having a protein shake for breakfast for forever.  Or as long as it makes me happy :)  That's not a sleeve requirement or one from my surgeon, it's just what makes my body happiest right now.   

Sometimes I think I look super different and sometimes I think I don't look different at all.  It can be confusing.  

Ah, ok --- so, worst case, if your luggage was searched and your protein confiscated, you could substitute yogurt or food for your breakfasts until you could secure some locally.

Maybe ask a friend or 2 about the passport picture --- it took us several weeks to get new ones (you can pay more to get it expidited).

On a funny note, I was recently in Montreal -- and showed my passport and the Agent said, "yep, that's you, same earrings".

I was wearing the same earrings that day as I had been in my photo ----- maybe that is how you can prove it is still YOU!!!

Right - I can eat smoked salmon for every meal if I need to.  (Which I feel like I sort of did last time I was in Norway, hehe.)  This store is within walking distance so if my stuff gets confiscated, I'll be good to go -- http://www.strommenstorsenter.no/butikker-og-virksomheter/or ganic-store/

Hopefully my glasses will save me with my passport photo ;)  But, you're right, I should ask some people what they think.  That's a really great idea!

I've been on three international trips since surgery.  (Which, btw, is by FAR my greatest NSV - never in the world would I have considered traveling like I do, back when I weighed 250 lbs!)  For trips I buy protein powder in individual servings at CVS.  It isn't the protein supplement I use every day, but it's fine for traveling, and clearly labeled.  I've got another trip scheduled for March (Galapagos and the Amazon, woohoo!), this time I don't think I'll be taking any protein powder.  But I do put fiber in my coffee every morning; like you, my bowels are happier that way.  I plan to take individual packets of Miralax.  So far I haven't found a generic version of Miralax that comes in individual packets.  I do use the Costco bulk version (pardon the pun!) for everyday home use.  

I had to renew my passport to get my WLS.  That was 4 years ago, about 250 lbs, and it's good for another 6 years.  So far no problems, although immigration officers have commented that I don't look much like my photo anymore.  Apparently there's enough similarity not to cause a problem.  I did get a new picture this year when I renewed by DL.

Have a wonderful trip, Norway and the rest of Scandinavia are on my bucket list!  :-)

Thanks!  I'll not worry about my passport :)  And I'll get actual protein samples, just in case.  I think I can get individual packets of benefiber too.  

First year post op I travelled a lot with my protein powders in baggies, containers, whatever. Checked luggage or carry on and even went in with a shake in hand through security. Told them what it was and why I had it and it was not a problem ever. My passport is still from before surgery. No one ever querried. Kind of ****** me off that it is still valid for a couple of years I think...

Sweet, thanks :)  

I get a little annoyed too when I get carded and no one says anything :P