Question:
HAS ANY POST-OP BEEN ON A CRUISE?

I am pre-op, soon to be post-op and will be going on a cruise in May. I am worried about all the food. Will they offer me alternate choices to everything - including desserts. I guess I need to hear from some post-ops who went on a cruise and plan ahead so I will know what to expect.    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 4, 2002)

January 3, 2002
I didn't go but one of my post-op friends did, just a few weeks after her surgery while she was still off work recovering. She told me there was such a selection that she didn't have to ask for anything special as far as our new diet/lifestyle goes. She said there was so much, that she didn't have a problem finding enough to eat. For instance, during their breakfast spread, there was everything you could imagine. You'll have to make the smart choices, like oatmeal. You'll get the hang of it. Oh and one more thing. I'm jealous!!
   — Annie H.

January 3, 2002
I had my open rny on Feb.9th. Went on a cruise in April. It was great! There was a great choice of food on the ship, so you don't have to worry. But, if you want water...bring your own bottled unless you want to pay 3.00 or 4.00. I drink alot of water so I was glad to have my own.
   — Rita B.

January 3, 2002
I had my RNY in May and went on a cruise in August (just me and my mom, her treat! No kids or hubbies!). We went on Carnival and I had no problem. They offer what is called the Spa menu and it has all the nutrients, including protein, carbs, fats, etc. listed in the menu for those selections, which are all lower in fat, cholesterol, etc and are really delicious. They have spa selections at every meal, and some of the regular selections were perfectly accepatable as well. Even the buffets including the midnight buffet were great. They always offered fresh fruit, shrimp, carved meats and turkey, etc. My mom was thrilled because I ate so healthy the whole time that she did too and wound up losing a couple of pounds! All the cruise lines offer some type of healthier selections on the dining room menus, so not to worry. I would also suggest bringing water or just filling up a sippy cup from the ice/water machine on the deck floors as water to buy will cost you! We are going on a cruise for my parents 40th anniverary in June with the whole family and I can't wait. This time it will be Royal Carribben and they also have the same type of meal selection. Bon Voyage!
   — Vicki K.

January 4, 2002
Hubby and I went on a cruise with Princess Cruiselines to Alaska when I was 6 mos post op. It was wonderful! They made fantastic sugar free desserts and I always chose them. They were presented with such elegance that I didn't miss anything by not indulging in the cherries jubilee, baked Alaska, and other temptations! I did taste some of the special items from my hubby's plate. They have a menu at the dining hall that always has low fat/ low cal choices. They will cater to you. I didn't gain an oz on the cruise but my normal sized hubby gained 19 lbs! In a week. He over indulged in everything! So, anything I wanted to taste was at my fingertips. You get a lot of exercise with walking, etc. It was great! One thing I would recommend to anybody is to reserve a room with a private balcony. It doesn't cost too much more and it is sooooooo worth it. We could sit right outside our room on a private balcony and look at scenery, relax, have breakfast, coffee or whatever we wanted on this balcony. I went out there many nights and just sat enjoying the beautiful scenery. I want to go again! Have fun!
   — Marilyn C.