Question:
What is best to eat while traveling (trapped on airplane/airport)?

Hi, I'm going on vacation soon. Short air trip, overnight hotel, then trapped in airplane and/or airport from 7 am til about 6 pm when I'll be able to get to a store to shop for the vacation condo. Return scenario about as tough. Wondering what best to take with me to eat/drink? Same question while on vacation ... traveling around the island, or going to the beach with our small cooler (favorite beach at least 45 minutes from condo.) I will be 11 weeks out when we leave. Thank you    — Gail J. (posted on December 15, 2001)

December 15, 2001
Cashews, macadamias, balance bars are all helpful. I find that just a few nuts fill up the empty space and don't give me the negative effects (we all know what that means!) of candy or chips. I mostly drink water, so that is easy. If the taste bothers you, 1/2 strength Crystal Lite sometimes is easier to take. Have a blast!
   — Spunkwoman S.

December 15, 2001
Individual serving-size cottage cheese was my savior, also infant size yogurt. There are also lunch box sizes of applesauce and canned fruits in lite syrup. Individually wrapped cheese slices are a possibility, also recloseable packages of sliced fat-free meat. Plastic cutlery and napkins are all you need. When I was traveling during Thanksgiving, I also had leftover turkey wrapped in aluminum foil and a plastic bag. Whenever I fly I make sure to have a sports bottle of water. Keep smilin', Margie
   — Marjorie B.

December 15, 2001
This makes me think about one of the times I was laid over in an airport pre-op not even aware of the surgery and just fed up with being fat. I was hungry so I went and got a hot dog, a pretzel, and some ice cream. Sitting there eating and wondering why I was fat...I turned and looked at a slim woman buying some yogurt and bottled water. Then I realized that I wasn't even aware that the yogurt was in the airport and that when I looked, there was fruit too! Stuff like that was invisible to me pre-op. Anyway, seek out the nutritional stuff when you go into the snack bars -- they actually do sell fruit and yogurt. Like the others say, bring a protein bar or two. I like the Pure Protein brand. Fruit is something good to have while traveling. I also pack my hand blender and make sure to bring along my powdered protein. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

December 15, 2001
Just as a reminder to thse newly post op. Travel with care. If just a month or so out you are at risk for blood clots! Check with your surgeon before going on any long plane flights. Even on short ones of 2 hours or less minimize the sitting time. Pace around the jetway a lot, board the plane at the last call, get up at least once a hour when in flight, fly first class if you can for bigger seats, flex your leg muscles, and drink lots of water to fight dehydration. This will help you have a safe healthy flight. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
   — bob-haller

December 15, 2001
Since the surgery, I always take items such as beef jerky, plain almonds, apples or oranges, snackwell's cheese crackers, yogurt, and bottled water when I travel.
   — [Anonymous]

December 16, 2001
I always keep protein bars in my purse and in my desk drawer at work. That way if I'm caught somewhere where my "Type" of food isn't available, I'm prepared. I also keep bottles of water near by. It is so easy to get dehydrated, and it feels terrible! You could also keep some crackers in your purse. Good luck!
   — Wendy H.

December 16, 2001
I just got back from a 3 wk. trip overseas. Call the airline and tell them you want a special meal ... they do not understand WLS. I requested the diabetic meal & it was good. Drink LOTS of water. I ate lots of cheese because I forgot to pack my protein bars. Peanuts is a good protein source and chicken. Crystal light is good to take just for some "pleasure taste." Before you leave you might want to get in touch with Vitalady and order some of her protein power that mixes with water & she has other items also that would be helpful on a trip OR at home. Good luck ... and have fun!
   — Betty Todd