Question:
Any advice on traveling while on the pre-op liquid diet?

I am supposed to fly from NC to NY on business next week and just got a call that my tentative surgery date is Oct. 16, which means I need to start with the Medifast Optifast on the day I'm leaving. My sister says I shouldn't have a problem packing my drinks in the suitcase I'll be checking, but I was wondering if anyone else has run into this problem or has any words of wisdom for me. Thanks in advance!    — snickersblk (posted on September 22, 2008)

September 22, 2008
If you are going to be in NY I would suggest trying to get it when you get here, or shipping it. Packing liquid in your suitcase can cause problems - it might even leak all over the place. Hope you have fun in NY : )
   — val915

September 22, 2008
Optifast and Optifast HP (high protein) can come in powder forms also and then you can mix them as you need them. Good Luck and have a good time in the Big Apple.
   — Mrsdoubleu

September 22, 2008
I have only used Optifast in powder form, which you "shake" into a "shake" with water and ice. (I add Crystal Lite to the vanilla version and they're great for me by the way.) For domestic air travel, in checked luggage, there is no issue. When I travel internationally, ANY time I cross ANY border (flying, driving, whatever), I keep the letter with me from he Wt. Management Clinic physicians explaining the need for the "powder" in envelopes. In the end I've never been questioned or asked to show the letter - including travel from here (Canada) thru Washington DC and on to Africa. So I have it just in case. Hope that helps in your planning.
   — mountainmike

September 22, 2008
I would call the airline
   — Joanc

September 23, 2008
I have traveled several times and wha tI do is put my "ready" shakes or protein powder packets in it's own ziplock bag and place in my carry-on. I just tell the TSA that it's a medical necessity and have never had a problem with it. Also it doesn't count as your allowable "liquid" items for carry on because it is a medical requirement. Let me know if you need any other help! Good Luck!!
   — Tomi D.

September 24, 2008
Thank you all for your replies, both on the board and via message. Regretfully, I couldn't get the powder. Happily, I called the airline as advised and was told that it won't be a problem. The info guy said I can pack whatever I want to inside my suitcase (I'll use individual baggies inside a gallon-sized one), and a letter from my surgeon will let me carry as much as I need to in my carry-on bag. I went ahead and called ahead so they'll have a letter ready for me at my final appointment on Monday.
   — snickersblk