Question:
I am almost two years post op (RNY)

I have lost 80lbs of the 140 that I need to lose. I travel for work almost daily and following a protein rich diet is a challenge. Is it too late to get off the needed extra pounds? Has anyone faced the challenge of travel and eating well? Help    — deevah1 (posted on June 6, 2009)

June 7, 2009
Hi Rita, I am 3 yrs out post RNY. I just recently started traveling for work. Prior to my first out of state job, I did the 5 day pouch test to get back on track and to insure that my pouch was still in working order. I'll admit I fell off the wagon for a bit. Doing the 5DPT enabled me to stick to "the rules"-Protein first, lots of water, exercise and no snacking. I had 60# to lose to reach goal. I am now 45# closer to that. So it is possible to get back on track to achieve your wls goal and then maintain. I hope this helps. Good luck-Barb
   — babs71958

June 8, 2009
EVERYTIME I eat out it's a challenge for me. My family wants to get something quick when we travel and finding quick healthy food is just so hard....SO, I travel with protein bars, almonds, beef jerky, protein boxes or bottles, fruit, protein/fiber cereals that I munch on dry, etc! I try to stop at places that serve chicken, even if it's fried and pull off the skin and get a side of veggies rather than potoates, but I usually look for the grocery stores when traveling...I will stop and pick up something individual from the fridge section, like a yogurt, cottage cheese, string cheese, lunch meat and a large deli pickle to wrap meat and cheese slices around rather than a sandwich, salad bar (usually has boiled eggs and some fresh spinach for salad with vinegarette dressing) Believe it or not the mini mart gas station type places usaully have a decent selection of healthy snacks! I have found pepperoni and cheese cups, yogurt, fresh fruit, cold cut wraps, etc! I love Wawa and Sheetz for traveling, but they aren't everywhere. Get yourself a little cooler or thermal lunch sack and pack your own stuff whenever you can...Because it is hard to go to a place that is famous for it's unhealthy food and order the leanest thing you can find...It's just hard! I've been post op a long time now and have learned that i have to find the most creative ways of eating out. It's hard more times than it is easy to find a wls suitable meal...I give in now an then out of pure frustration and eat something I probably shouldn't...But it helps if you can get online too and look at menus of even the fast food places on your travel route and pick the best menu ideas when you are not rushed for time and a speedy decision...(look up fat, protein, carb,calorie content etc) Then you can go there KNOWING what you want and it's easier than having to make a quickie, unsure decision! Good luck to you! It's not too late to lose more weight either...It's not rapid like it was the first year, but it is possible! And it requires old fashioned dieting and exercise as the main focus! Just be healthy about it and take your vitamins and get your yearly labs!
   — .Anita R.