Question for Cruisers...

I had surgery 6/20... Going on a cruise on 9/21... I can eat 'normally' starting 9/12... Any suggestions for ordering in the main dining room? I will probably hit the buffet for breakfast since they tend to have eggs and hard cheese and greek yogurt (at least they did last cruise). But I'm not sure about lunch and dinner in the main dining room. What have my fellow cruisers done to stay on track?

My last cruise I was probably 2 yrs out from surgery.  It was pretty easy because I could eat so little, any little bit filled me up.  And there was always food somewhere so I could easily eat every few hours.  I did take my protein powder and a blender bottle so I could stay hydrated.

I would think the big issues that early out is that you just never know what is going to cause you problems, even if it didn't the last time you ate it.  I would definitely remember the papaya enzyme and gas pills.  Then try for plain stuff instead of lots of sauces, etc. 

I never have any trouble with eating on cruises even when I was overweight. That's because the food is served at set times so no snacking. Or at least it's limited. There are plenty of choices and you will be walking a lot too. All the cruises I have been on, I have lost weight!

I find it easier to eat in the main dining room all of my meals.   They will make things to your order and cater to you more than the buffets.   My eyes are much larger than my stomach in the buffets and in the main dining room your not tempted as much with the things you shouldn't be eating.    Also in the main dining room for dinner you could opt to order several appetizers.....I've done that as well and chose those smaller selections instead of the main entree.    Good luck and have a blast on your cruise.

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

I agree with Vivian as far as Buffets go.  Since you are early out though you might have more willpower.  I didn't have any trouble in the Main Dining room.  I just tried to make the best Protein Choices I could and I asked them to make everything as plain as possible.  I don't know about other Cruises but I'm sure the Disney Cruises are use to picky kids and I'm just a big kid with wrinkles.....lol. I didn't order any desserts because I was afraid of dumping and ruining my day so I would take a bite of whoever in my families looked the best. The Disney Cruises serve food all day long but there are lots of good Protein Choices. 

The only cruise I've been on was after being 5 years out.  But - while my tummy is a little larger, making the best choices was still in the foremost of your mind.

Good point earlier about trying new things before you go... you don't want any surprises!  I didn't check the type of surgery you had, but if you are like I was, I dumped on fat... so I had to stick to low fat, low sugar as I dumped on that too.

But - I found the buffets my friend.  I know how much I can eat and took only what I wanted.  If i wanted more, I went back.  In the past (when i was overweight) I remember the waiter pushing more food and desserts on me then I wanted... that didn't happen this time luckily.  There were a few times in the main dining room when there was a comment to how much I ate, but I brushed it off.  They may say "oh come on you need to eat more than that"... just be prepared to stand  your ground.  Don't overeat either just to make someone else happy....

Yes, I lost 2 lbs on the last cruise too!  I think it's because I'm a lot more active, and food isn't readily available to munch on... my girlfriend said she "wished she ate like i did"... which is high protein low carb and only SF desserts. 

Have fun!  Don't let food rule your cruise and take protein drinks/shaker bottle with you.