eating on a cruise-- cross-post

Dear All, I'm about to go on the vacation of a lifetime--a 21 day cruise!! I have been trying to think and plan about how I'm going to cope--I know I will exercise daily. And I've thought about bringing protein bars and small bags of nuts for days when we're at port for lunch. However I'm wondering if any of you have any advise and/or suggestions for me... MANY thanks! Kim

Ok, so it was so weird. I Gained 7 lbs from my wedding day to like a week later when I went on our honeymoon (an 8 day cruise). People always talk about gaining weight on a cruise, so I was SURE I would! Well my husband isn't obsessed with food like I am. the food on the cruise was AMAZING and since my pouch emptied and could fill up again every 2 hours, well I wanted to eat all that amazing food every two hours!! But my husband will only eat like 2 times a day, and  he can pack in those two times a day what I can pack in a whole days worth of every two hours, so it's not like he doesn't eat anything, he just eats a LOT twice a day. Well I could only eat about 1 cup at a time on the cruise, and since I didn't want to go eat alone I pretty much only ate when he did, only I just ate my 1 cup. I would finally give in and go eat by myself maybe once a day, and convince him to go with me for my midnight snack but he wouldn't  eat anything (he was still stuffed from dinner). SO even tho the food was amazing (and when I wasn't eating it I was thinking about it lol), and for the most part I made horrible choices (lots of Alfredo!) I ended up not gaining a pound! (the ship was huge, so lots of walking too) Cause even tho it was high calorie food, I actually ended up eating LESS then I did when I was home grazing all day!  Is that crazy or what? So, I don't have a lot of advice unfortunately, but for me I didn't gain weight because I actually ate less frequently then I was eating at home. It was a strange phenomenon lol. I do wish you the best of luck and TONS of fun! Just try to be "good" some of the time, and enjoy yourself some of the time, maybe take advantage of the on board gym (ha! right! Like I did that lol), and enjoy yourself!  Leslee

I went on a cruise several years before my wls.   Although I certainly didn't restrain myself eating, I will say that the choices are PHENOMENAL, and I honestly think that a post-wls person could do very well if motivated to stay on track!   Since you're not paying for individual items, it's great to be able to take a little of this & a little of that.  The protein choices & fruits & veggies are  very plentiful and varied, so you can try different things! Of course, there are extremely calorie- & carb-laden choices, and the desserts are absolutely to die for.  But, again, even if you choose to indulge somewhat, you can take just a little bit of a couple things.  I really think  you can make a cruise as nutritionally healthy or as "what the heck" as you wish; it's up to you!   I got tons of exercise during that cruise, which I took w/ a bunch of girlfriends.  A couple of us power-walked every day on the highest deck, where they had a track, etc.   And we swam in the pool and did a lot of walking when we stopped at the various ports. Have a wonderful time--do as well as  you can--and then come home and get back to business.   With or without the excessive eating, you will have a wonderful, memorable time!  Try to focus on all the TONS of fun activities that are provided both on board and off.  The healthier  you eat, the better you'll feel physically and mentally!  But . . . be prepared . . . you have never seen such extremely tempting food!

I went on my first cruise last year with my Mom....it was a great time.  I can echo all of the posters information regarding exercise and choices...there were lots of them....I left that cruise losing 4 lbs.  I ate what I wanted but really didn't do things differently than I do at home: Double veggies, no potatoes.  If I wanted bread before dinner, I had half the roll.  The ship we traveled on (Royal Carribbean) always had a sugar free dessert option which I chose if I wanted dessert.  Fortunately, the staff is there to cater to you....ask for things as if you were in a restaurant.  Often times, they will accomodate you.  I didn't have one server who told me "no" at any meal on that ship. Have a great time and good luck!! Anjanette

Well, I'm just plain jealous. I've never been on a cruise, but my kids and some friends have, and they go on and on about the great food. But from the pictues I've seen, there's all kinds of choices, and I'm sure they'll have some good options for you. You'll probably get in lots of walking too, so you should do fine. Enjoy yourself.

Kim; I haven't cruised post-op, but I'm one of those weird people that always lost weight on a cruise pre-op...all the fresh fruit and vegetables already cut up and the walking worked to my advantage. Every cruise I've been on - and I've been on like 10 - has a beef dish, a chicken dish, a seafood dish and a vegetarian dish on every menu. If you're worried about a sauce, you can always order a grilled boneless, skinless chicken breast sans sauce. If you're sweet to your waiter, you'll be amazed at how far he will go out of his way to make sure you're getting the food that works for you. Also, watch out on the nuts. Some ports will not allow you to bring in nuts from other countries as it's considered an agricultural hazard. Bon Voyage!

hi kim i just got back a few weeks ago from my first cruise ever.  i was on a royal caribbean ship and i had no trouble with the choices available. there was always a sugar free dessert on the menu and at the buffets.  the food selection always included a fish which works best for me, or poultry. everyone was very accomodating, i never really had a problem.  always lots of fruit and veggies available.  there was also yogurt at breakfast which i like.   i think you will be just fine. and have a great time!!! jacki

forgot to metion, i did bring some protein bars and nuts with me in case i had a late nite snack attack.  most of them came home with me.  also, i was able to get coffee or tea round the clock on board which was nice. hugs again, jacki

Kim, having cruised for about 25 years now both for leisure and business (I own Ruby Cruises, LLC a cruise based travel agency), I can tell you that "good" and healthy choices are there in plenty - it's all in what you CHOOSE to see!  Whether you eat at the buffet, room service, dining room or any of the side restaurants and bistros onboard, there are healthy choices.  Visit my website www.rubycruises.com and read my story.  Check out our Cruises to Lose as well. 

It's all about choices!  Best of luck and ENJOY your cruise!

   ~ Terri

Dear All,

THANKS so much for your responses! Terri--I so enjoyed reading your story--and checking out your links!!

I feel much more empowered now--heading out!

Kim