Traveling in Europe

[axlr8n 161]

So, I'm about 7 weeks post-op and came to visit me friend for a week in Eastern Europe. It has been really hard to find things that my stomach is used to and are low in fat and sugar. The portion sizes are much smaller than in the US, but the food can be equally unhealthy (fried cutlets are very common even when the menu doesn't say it's fried). I've also not found any sugar free drink powders or Protein powders that are low in sugar.

I commonly eat Greek yogurt at home and rely on it for a decent amount of protein each day... but all of the yogurt here has less than 5g of protein per serving (i couldn't find Greek)... it was very low in sugar.

I did find two new teas that I really liked and settled my stomach. They're so simple I don't know why they aren't commonly served in the US. The first was simple fresh mint leaves and the second was minced ginger... just steep and drink.

Luckily, I came prepared with my own protein and have been okay... But it's a lesson in not making assumptions about what may be available away from home.

[Tssiemer1 549]

Jeeeeealous.

[Ashlegal 525]

I am getting ready to visit my SIL in Dubai at the beginning of next month; I have been constantly worried about my diet while there.

She assures me that I will have a wide variety of food to choose from. I always stand by "if it is too good to be true, it probably is."

I am thinking it is best if I pack my Protein shaker, some almond milk, bars and hope for the best.

[axlr8n 161]

I am having a great time, but would definitely recommend that you bring things with you so you can take care of yourself. What someone else thinks is healthy is not necessarily what we need at the various stages after surgery.

[anaxila 501]

I travel all over the world with my job, and always pack lots of food from home just to be safe. You never know what will be available where, and can have problems where you'd least expect it. The places you'd think would be safe and reliable aren't, and vice versa.

I don't dump and I'm 9 months out from surgery, so I can probably tolerate things that not everyone can. But this is what I've brought with me for a trip to Sydney Australia this week. Portions are 1/day unless otherwise noted.

* Protein bars (2/day)

* nuts

* crystal light single serving mixes (5/day)

* dole fruit squish'ems

* bear naked honey almond high Protein granola

* natures all organic fair trade dark chocolate strawberry pieces

* natures all organic fair trade dark chocolate banana pieces

* fruit and nut blend antioxidant fusion dried and unsulfured trail mix

I will also find a grocery store right away and buy bananas, raspberries, blueberries, and greek yogurt if I can find them and if my hotel has a fridge. I eat these things for Breakfast and lunch, focusing my energy on finding a nice 4oz plain chicken breast for dinner. I find that if I tell the waitstaff that I am on an extremely restrictive diet and just want plain grilled chicken (or whatever) they have no problem accommodating me.

Hope this helps!

[anaxila 501]

Also, I did my first big trip overseas at 10 weeks post op. I think for that one it was mainly Protein Bars, Protein bars, and more protein bars. That one was also traveling with a large group of senior executives that I didn't know well, so the food situation was even more awkward than normal. It does get easier with both time and practice. Eventually you'll be able to eat more things and experiment (successfully) with local cuisines. It just takes time and patience.