Travel a few months following surgery

[MarciaN 391]

I am almost 2 months post-op. Just got back on Sunday from an 8 day cruise. I was a little worried before I went but realized once I got on the cruise that I was so much more healthy and fit. food was not a problem (no one ever really notices what folks leave on their plates. I didn't ever have to mention that I had surgery.) The good thing was that I was pretty much healed by that time. Tried not to take elevators- just stairs (typically could get in about 20 flights a day. Even visited a historic fort and walked up all stairs and ramps (my fitbit said I did an equivalent of 47 flights of stairs! Who would have ever thought!

I did make myself a Water bottle "sling" so that I always had liquid with me. I also made sure that I brought with me some Protein Bars so I always had something readily available in case when we were running around I could not find anything appropriate to eat. (I find that now if I get overly hungry I tend to get an upset tummy.) A little upfront planning and hopefully everything will go well for you. Have fun!

[borg/assimilated 576]

I agree with the posts regarding Protein bars. If there is a certain type you like be sure to bring some along.When traveling in Europe recently I made sure I always had one in my purse, they came in handy when we were busy and people stopped for Snacks. We all know there's not much for us in the snack aisle! Have your surgery as planned, you will be fine - and have fun !

[otillie03103 123]

I just took a trip to Nashville, TN at 3 months post op with my husband (I live in NH). I flew and stayed in a hotel and walked all over and did just fine. I did research ahead and tried to make healthy choices eating out.

[CanadaLoser 80]

Thank you so much for all the replies. You ladies are so fantastic!!

[sharkgirl 251]

I went to London 4 mos post op and I just planned ahead. I brought Protein shake powder and bars and Snacks with me. I found the food there difficult for me to eat (lots of pork and bread). I made sure I always had a shake for Breakfast and a bar for lunch with almonds or beef Jerky for Snacks so I had most of my Protein in the day. My biggest issue was drinking enough Water because we walked a lot or went to places that didn't allow us to bring Water or backpacks inside.

[brandy25 7]

Thank you SKCanada for asking this question. I just had surgery Dec. 30th and will be traveling from Alaska to Italy in March. I was wondering the same thing! Does anyone know what custom's restrictions are for bringing supplements and Snacks abroad?

[Dawn306 50]

You should be fine. As long as you can find yogurt, you will have something to eat. And make sure you take your Protein shake powders with you.

I have travelled with my shake powders and snack bars, and had no problem at customs. At the airport, they wanted to open my shake powder container and they put their "sniffer" in there to make sure it was what I said it was. Other than that - no problems whatsoever.

Edited January 20, 2016 by Dawn306

[VDB 800]

I think it depends on your age and health. I was 64 when I had my bypass, and honestly was not up to traveling for maybe 90 days. Not only due to physical healing, but due to the eating issues of traveling others have mentioned. It takes a minimum of 3 months to establish any new habits.

Not using a seat belt extension is one of the greatest joys of 130# being gone. Whew.

[Alex Brecher 10,512]

@@CanadaLoser,

There are no guarantees in life, BUT…

If surgery basically goes as expected without major problems, there’s no reason not to travel two months later. There’s an excellent chance you’ll even be feeling way better then than now – weighing less, having more energy, and feeling way healthier! Of course food will be something you have to work around, but that’s just part of your new life. Whether you get the surgery before or after this particular vacation, there will be other vacations and other occasions when you will need to face serious temptations. You’ll manage! Like the others said, prepare by bringing your necessities like Protein powder!

[M!@ 320]

Had surgery 11/13, flew to DC 12/6, spent the whole week walking around, riding the train, etc. There was always something for me to eat, Soups are awesome. No one really paid me any mind that I wasnt eating all the other stuff. The were a few smells that were not pleasant and I could not walk on the same side of the street as the bakery, but that has always been the case for me. I am not a bread and sweets girl.

[CanadaLoser 80]

Thanks everyone!

My surgery is booked and I will have about 9 weeks to recover before my trip.

In super exited for both! ????