going out of town - and taking food

In a few days, I am going out of town to visit my sister.  I will be there for one to two weeks, I'm not sure exactly.  And I have realized that I practically need a second suitcase to pack all my food these days!

Between not eating meat and needing lots of protein and things low in sugar and not wanting to drink milk from the grocery store (from the mistreated cows, with the antibiotics and hormones in it), the easiest thing is to take a lot of my own food.  My sister will try to plan meatless meals with me in mind, and it's not like I'll have nothing to eat there, but in order to make sure I have what I need and like and so that she can fix meals that she and her kids like, it works out better to take some of my own stuff.

But go****'s kind of a pain.  I was going to take some raw milk (in a cooler, with ice) only I can't find my cooler.  I am quite sure I have one, or at least I used to, but I'll be darned if I know what I did with it.  And I don't want to go buy one just for this purpose.  So I guess I'll buy some soy milk instead, which will be easier to transport anyway.  And I'll take some protein bars, and my protein powder.  When I get there, I'll hit the grocery store and buy some yogurt.

And of course I have to pack my two million bottles of vitamins.  I miss being able to just jump in the car and go!

Kelly,

I'm headed to Calfiornia in a couple of weeks and I'm facing some of the same dilemnas.  Not quite as many since I do eat meat, but I'm concerned about being a burden on my family, not being able to find what I need, etc.  I'm flying so I can't take a cooler.  I'll just have to pack as efficiently as possible. 

Good luck on preparing for your trip and have a great visit.

My mom always gives me a hard time about all the stuff I used to take for our annual  trip to Siesta Key (which, sadly, we did not take this year).  We eat out for dinners and occasionally for breakfast, but we go to the grocery as soon as we get there for lunch, beverage, and snack items, so we always buy yogurt, deli meat, cheese, fruit, etc.  but I still need to take all the vitamins, calcium chews, my morning protein drink, and some protein snacks.

I hope you have a great time!

Lora

Hi Kelly,

Thank you for sharing this with us, and with me in particular. I'm having my surgery tomorrow and I have a trip planned for late May so I was worrying about how I was going to travel with my new food requirements. You've given me some excellent ideas! Hope you have a good time with your sister!

Rebecca

I just came in from a 4 day camping trip. I had a big cooler full of water bottles, powerade zero and a 1/2 gal of milk for protein shakes. I had another cooler with food (pepperoni, veggies, cheese - lots of cheese, etc) and a small box with protein bars, protein powder. Oh yeah and I took a little box of clothes HA

 True sign of a RNYer: when your protein & vitamins take up more room in luggage than your clothes.

it sure does take a lot of planning to be post op and compliant. I haven't taken any trips yet but I am sure I will do the same thing when I do. It kind of makes me feel like a freak to even go to parties or eat out but that;s just the reality of surgery or food sensitivities and special diets. I hope you travel safely and it isn't a hassle to bring the extra things. I also am glad your sister understands your preferences and needs and will try to make foods you can enjoy. Try not to stress about it and best wishes for a restful, fun time with your sis!

It's like packing for a baby!  So many things you have to take.  I hope you enjoy yourself while you're with your sister.   Have a safe trip!        

Hi Kelly
I have been traveling a lot since my surgery.  With the food intolerances and vitamin requirements, I bring tons of protein powder and all my vitamins and prescriptions.  I also need to take a shaker for the shakes.... All of that stuff fills my suitcase, so I have room for only the minimum of clothes and have to do my laundry every couple of days!!  I ended up being in Arizona for 6 weeks with 3 shirts and 2 pairs of pants and 1 pair of shoes.

Enjoy the time with your sister.

Well I thought post-op I'd be wearing smaller clothes so less luggage (my friends always make fun of how many suitcases I bring)...but I guess I won't be lightening the load after all!
Have fun Kelly!