Question:
Help! I'm going on a cruise in 30 days.

I am so excited to show off my new body (started 291 now 154...1 year post op in 2 more weeks)but I'm scared about grazing on the cruise. Any suggestions about how and what to eat on a cruise? Plus I'm worried about getting all of my water in. Will it be easily assessible?    — cfstevens (posted on May 7, 2003)

May 7, 2003
Go on your cruise and have fun. I am still a pre-op but I was on a cruise last year and I actually think I ate less than I would have if I were home. There is so much to besides eat on a cruise that for me it was not that bad of an arrangement. Before hand I had already planned out (jokingly of course) that we would go to breakfast and then check out the early lunch on the patio...then go to another bistro on the ship for an afternoon snack..then to an early dinner and then have our formal dinner with the group we were with. Boy was I wrong! And glad for it to I might add. Unless you are a constant grazer who wants to eat every other hour or so, you should be fine with the planned meal times or finding a snack in between if you just have to have something. But focus on the excursions and all the fun you will have with your traveling companions instead. That will be what you want to remember most anyways, not how many times you were able to eat at the buffets. Water is usually not a problem at all to find on the ship. The cost of the bottled water can shock you, but a necessity when out in the hot sun all day. But do allow for one or two of the real drinks on the cruise...nothing better than sitting out on the deck soaking up the sun while sipping margaritas or mai tais =)
   — ImANewDee

May 7, 2003
Go on your cruise! My husband and I take a cruise every spring. I've been on 2 since surgery. I find that I can always get enough water, though I usually buy the bottled water from the ship since their tap water is really desalinated sea water and I don't risk the sodium, I still retain fluid a lot. I eat just a little bite of each course and since I've always been instructed to eat 3 small meals and 3 small snacks a day, I don't have a problem. I don't test sugar, but Carnival always has a sugar free desert at every meal and on the buffet. Thanks, Carnival! I've lost 140 lbs and I'm 2 years post op next week! I actually lost 3-4 lbs on each of my cruises since surgery.
   — Teri D.

May 8, 2003
Don't worry about going on your cruise! I went on a 10 night cruise on Celebrity's Galaxy to celebrate losing 100 pounds. And while Celebrity has the BEST food in the cruise industry, I actually LOST weight on it! I enjoyed the food I did eat much more than on previous cruises, before my surgery, when I used to stuff myself thinking I had to taste everything. All of the cruise lines have sugar-free desserts, and other healthy choices at every meal. At breakfast a lot of times I would have scrambled egg or a small omelet, and a piece of French toast with sugar-free syrup. There was always melons and other fresh fruit. Lunch was easy too, there was plenty to choose from that I could have. Dinner is slow-paced enough that I could have something from each course, and while it might have bordered on grazing, I watched my selections carefully and it WAS a vacation. If you need a snack there is always something available including room service. We always take our insulated water bottles along on any trip or cruise, and have never had a problem with drinking the ship water. Have fun shopping and showing off how great you look in your new duds! Just don't spend too much on clothes like I did, and now they are all at the consignment shop after being worn ONCE!! I sell cruises so if anyone is looking into a cruise, email me, mention this website, and I will give you a discount!
   — Sheryl S.

May 8, 2003
You'll have a blast! My family are I are avid cruise-vacaioners; it's a great way to have fun and see (part of) the world. In fact there is a formal cruise picture on my profile! Get a great dress and have a great picture made. There are lots of food choices on a cruise menu, including a "lite" choice, lots of fish, etc. You will do a lot of walking and there is usually a good gym and fun classes also. We wanna see pics when you get back! hugs, Ann rny 9/10/99 260/124
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 8, 2003
Don't worry too much about it! I know its easier said than done, but if you're anything like me, sometimes you worry so much about your food intake, you stop having fun! I would bring some protein shakes or bars with you (if you normally eat them) Otherwise, just do what you've always done. Eat your protein first, then have some carbs. And have dessert- but just share it with someone or have a few bites. I know cruises can be tough b/c you are eating like 10 meals a day! lol But if you think about it, its better for you anyway, as long as you stay within a few oz each meal, eating 5 times isn't bad- it'll just be like the 5 small meals a day many of us do at home. ALso, I find that I'm so worried about vacations and holidays, but I will go off my usual plan/diet a few days, and will actually lose more weight. You just never know! As for the water- I'm sure it won't be a problem, if you're scared bring some bottles on with you, but you should be ok. Goodluck, relax and have fun! :-)
   — Lezlie Y.