Post Op Cruise

I'm just over a year out, and will be leaving for my first cruise as a post-op this weekend.  In the past, this type of vacation has been a week long gorge fest.  I'm afraid that I'm going to lose track of how much and what I'm eating.  I know there will be a lot of good food choices and places to exercise, but I can totally see myself falling off the wagon and bouncing a few times lol.

How have some of you handled this to keep yourself from falling into the 'the hell with it, I'm on vacation' mindset?



Thanks!


Meg

Im 3 years post op and have been on 5 cruises since surgery.  My suggestion is when your meal arrives, wait until the other dinner guests are almost finished their meals before you dig into yours.  Take a couple bites and have them take the plate away right away.  It worked for me.  Ive been at my current weight for 2+ years.  Youll burn off any extra food you eat walking to and from the ship.  Have fun, get some sun

which cruise line and ship are you on?

I have done a bunch of cruises before surgery but remember seeing smart menu items.  Plus they will prepare food without sauces if you ask for it.

You should be safe with a chicken or fish dish each night with steamed vegetables.

If on carnival, avoid the chocolate melting cake.  It is so good but way too much sugar.

 

Yup it's Carnival!!! That damn chocolate cake lol. I was in Ireland last month for St Patricks Day and that was easy because I thought the food was terrible!! I packed shakes and bars for that, which I'll do again this time for when I'm on the islands and at the airport. 

I have to remember not to graze and snack here and there because I know that will add up fast. On cruises I tend to retain a ton of water, I guess cuz of the sodium content of the food and filtered water. 

 I'm two and a half months' out, and I'm going on a cruise in about 10 days.  

My plan is to stick to protein, skip alcohol, and stay away from the food if I'm not hungry.  I always get plenty of working out on vacation (and remember you'll have more time for being active if you stay away from the food and alcohol), so I don't actually worry about that.  I'm going to contact the ship prior to embarkation and ask them to give special instructions to my waiters about my diet, so that I don't get a lot of questions about leaving food on my plate.  

You know... I've never gained weight on vacation (maybe that's why I like to vacation so much).  But the key is to stay active and eat only when you're hungry.  If you do choose to eat at the buffet, walk through the line once, and make a plan (PROTEIN FIRST).  Go through a second time, and get your food.  Eat like a newbie post-op.  Use a small plate if possible.  Take small bites.  Chew 25-30 times.  Don't eat and drink at the same time.  

 I lost weight on my last cruise.
I walk more. I eat delicious proteins. The portions are smaller and I feel no pressure to finish any plate. Many people order more than they can eat. The cruise workers have seen it all.
I ate a bite of dessert every night for dinner.
The last night my waiter just brought out every dessert so I could have a bite off all of them!
Have a great time!

 
You guys have the best advice :-) I'm printing this out and taping it to the inside of my cabin door just to remind myself. I didnt think about how good it will be to have so many great protein choices...now I'm getting excited! :-)

Thanks so much!!

I am going a cruise in one week too!  I plan on hitting the ship's gym and walking walking walking!  Plus when I eat real food I can't fit a whole lot in.

I actually post poned my surgery until after our cruise because I wanted to be able to enjoy it.  I am scared about cruising after because one of the best things about a cruise is the food!