Question:
After surgery, what would a truck driver eat on the road?

My husband's considering surgery, and he's working long hours. What can he eat while on the road?    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 29, 2001)

October 29, 2001
Many of the protein supplements can be mixed/shaken with water and taste very good to me as I drive to work sipping along the way. Beef jerky is good and cheese sticks for quick protein. I also like and do well with pistachio nuts. Some people do well with deli meat, half sandwiches (toasted bread seems to work best), hard-boiled eggs. I had open RNY, therefore which surgery he is looking into will make a difference and how far along in the recovery will also affect what he can eat and how well he tolerates different foods. Good luck to the both of you!
   — Molly S.

October 29, 2001
There are also "mini" cans of tuna packed in water now. A whole can is too much in the beginning, but it sure beats throwing out the larger can if you do not have refrigiration to save it. I would buy a small cooler, if you bought cans of chicken etc... just put the rest in it til you consume it.
   — Marie A.

October 29, 2001
Besides protein supplements, which is my base, I used sandwiches, cut into 1/4's & bagged separately; string cheese & Gobble Stix; hardboiled eggs; sliced fruit (not the whole fruit at once); good crackers (not junk, but good grains) with cheese or potted meats. This would be "later", not during the break-in period, of course, whatever that is per your doc.
   — vitalady

October 29, 2001
I can answer this question with a little authority on the subject. My husband and I ARE truckdrivers and yes, I've had the surgery. I stayed at home during my full-liquid and pureed foods phase of recovery so I can't speak for those foods but once I was cleared at my six week checkup I was back in the truck and on the road. We have a refrigerator in our truck so it does make it easier but plug in coolers are readily available. String cheese and yogurt were favorites of mine at first but I grew tired of them quickly. We carry low fat lunchmeats, cheese, tuna packed in water, good quality jerky(you really have to chew and chew this)and I'm just beginning to eat out at alot of the restaurants. Many truckstops have healthy meals on the menu and most will honor your requests for ordering from senior and childrens menus. Water is most important which is also readily available. Best of luck to your husband, the surgery works even for those of us who sit for long periods of time.
   — Janet R.

October 30, 2001
Before surgery, we went out to resturants frequently. Now I have been able to cope with most resturants by picking out the best protiens on the menus. Fast food? Buy the grilled chicken sandwich and only eat the chicken. Mexican? Refried beans with cheese, or pick out the chicken from the chicken fajita. Diners and cafes, order the toppings only from the chef's salad (chciken, ham, cheese, egg...) Many places, when I have explained that most of what they will bring me will get thrown away will sell me the portion I want at reduced price. At one famous buffet resturant, I showed them a small dessert bowl with 3 ounces of broiled fish in it, explaining that was all I could eat. They let me eat for free!
   — angelwomyn