You are strong willed, you will do fine. A little of this and a little of that. Yeah, I mean little. But have fun!
Altheia

When I went on my first vacation last summer. I wasn't flying, so it made it a little easier, but there are grocery stores there, so you can pick up what you need at your final destination. The whole key to success is in planning. Take along what you know you can eat. I took low fat string cheese, greek yogurt, veggies, fruit, things that were easy to store in a small hotel refrigerator. Then you can put some things in your bag when you go out, so if there is nothing healthy you can pull something out of your bag to munch on. Drink plenty of water. If everyone is having a drink add a slice of lemon or lime to it, so it looks like you have a "real" drink in your hand. That way well meaning friends will be less likely to try to get you a drink. Stay as far as away from the food table as you can! Spend time with family and friends you haven't seen in awhile catching up on each other's lives. Get some exercise in every day. go for a walk, or run, or to the PF there. Even if you have to get up earlier than everyone else to do it. You will feel better for it. And be good to yourself! Your family and friends who haven't seen you in a long time will be amazed at how good you look, you will be basking in the compliments and well wishes! Enjoy your time away!

They will love you! (coming from and Italian) We love smiles, talking, life loving, genuine people so you will be good to go. Aim for meatballs... soft, protein, moist... and compliment the Nonna (Grandma) that made them you'll be loved forever ;)

Here's a few travel tips that have helped me, hope it gives you a few ideas...

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2010/05/post-weight-loss-surgery-traveling.html

Have fun!
~Michelle "Shelly"

Just curious how far out are you? I read this and got somewhat sad. Only because I think everyone deserves a break once in a while. I am concerned for myself that I go 'too all out' and get tired of it and will go the other way as I am somewhat an all or nothing kinda gal. Example: Excersising I have never been able to start slow and work my way up. I try I really do but if they tell me to work up to 30 min I start there - then after about a month I get tired of it and quit (that was my OLD me anyway -- I am tring very very hard to do better as I do not know everything)

I had surgery 10/19/09. We went to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands for 14 days in February 2010 (4 months postop). I actually packed enough protein powder for 14 days. I packed some healthy snacks for the plane ride and we rented a condo that had a kichen so when we went to the grocery store I stocked up on milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, string cheese, cereal (I like Special K with protein plus or GoLean Kashi). When we ate out I would get grilled fish or shrimp and bring home plenty of leftovers. As Eggface said, meatballs (a little melted cheese on top is great too) are WONDERFUL..I still choose them if they are available. I came home FOUR pounds lighter...FIRST vacation I ever came home from weighing less!! LOL

Thanks all for your input.

Shelly, I did check out your travel blog and did get some great ideas from it, so thanks for that also. I love my blender bottle and will definitely be packing it.

Do they still have that 3oz liquid restriction on flights? I'll have to check the website.

I definitely plan on hitting the grocery store when I get there, to make sure I have what I need - I know his mom won't let me not get what I need, she'll probably MAKE me. lol

Krista

I have found one of the keys to not feeling like an alien during celebrations and gatherings with friends and family is figuring out which foods being offered are going to work for you and eating them in proportions which follow your post-op regimen. It makes you feel a part of what is going on and doesn't draw attention away from the heart of the celebration. If the meal is not ideal for you, you can always be prepared with protein foods stashed in your purse and knowing you can eat later if necessary. We went to Yosemite 4-5 months after I had surgery and I did just fine even though we had long days away from our hotel base.

VLGARD01 said " Just curious how far out are you? I read this and got somewhat sad. Only because I think everyone deserves a break once in a while. I am concerned for myself that I go 'too all out' and get tired of it and will go the other way as I am somewhat an all or nothing kinda gal. Example: Excersising I have never been able to start slow and work my way up. I try I really do but if they tell me to work up to 30 min I start there - then after about a month I get tired of it and quit (that was my OLD me anyway -- I am tring very very hard to do better as I do not know everything) "


I'm 7 months out next week, and I'm very strict on myself. I allow myself treats now and then, but for the most part stick to a high protein diet, always choosing protein over everything else.

I wasn't crazy about getting into an exercise routine, but I make myself go to the gym, even on days that I REALLY don't want to go, but am always glad I did afterwards because I feel SO good, like I accomplished something. I go routinely 3x a week, and on some weeks 4x.

When I started I could only do about 10 mins of cardio, and now I do a minimum of 30 mins, if nothing else, along with ab crunches every time I go to the gym, and some weight training thrown in there to try to tone up. The more weight I lose the more motivated I am to stay with it. It's all in the mindset.

As for going to the gym while we're out of town, I'll be in a town I've never been to before, so I don't know my way around, but I already printed out a map for myself so I can find it. And I don't really know what we'll be doing once we get there, so I don't know when I'm going to be able to go, something I'll figure out once I get there and get a grasp on everything.

Krista

you have a good plan in place and a good attitude! have fun and enjoy yourself! you will do great!

Have a great time! Don't worry... It sounds like you have your plan and now that you've got a few more tips from Shelly and others you're go to go!

Everytime I drink a protein nectar I think of you and everytime I shake it in my blender bottle I think of Shelly! : )

I'm so envious... I LOVE ITALIANS... They just love life! My friends laugh and tell me I'm an honorary (because of my cooking) ; )

Have a great time,

Be well,

Colleen

You've already succeeded, with your plan and your determination you'll do great. Have fun. I'll be in CT next w/e too. Enjoy!!

HI Krista,
I just came back from 10 day in 4 states, some flying, some driving and even a train ride in there. I traveled with many of the items that eggface mentions too...standards for getting through travel , work, or other times when you may not have full control over what you need to eat.

I found a grocery store at the first stop and picked up some blueberries (now in season in my area), and a half lb. of thin sliced turkey breast, along with 16 slices of Grueyer cheese that I love, and a little goes a long way, flavor wise. The lady at the deli counter gave me packets of mustard and mayo, and I made meat roll ups for lunch a couple days. I also found some edamame that was already cooked, but in a container you could zap in a microwave, or eat cold...and did that one day. I love it, so while it may not seem like much of a meal, it hit the spot for me.

I also carried protein bars. I like the Pure Protein brand, for a meal replacement, or I eat half for a snack between meals sometimes. Walmart sells those too, and I can get a box of 6 for $5.97, so the price is right. Taste is ok . Lastly, I traveled with almonds.Some of these would be good to have on hand, to suppliment a meal if need be .

I am sure the family will love you. Hopefully your BF will have informed the family of your recent surgery and lifestyle change and be thoughtful of your needs . Enjoy.
Cindy