Backpacking and other high energy activities after sleeved?

[willfish 3]

Does anyone backpack? I love backpacking and know I will love it even more when I weigh 80-100 lbs less! However, I am concerned about keeping my energy up enough to hike 10+ miles for multiple days. Many backpackers cram calories in to maintain the energy they need. And I feel like I have to do that now when I backpack...I wonder 1)if my body will adjust to my new eating style and won't need to eat as much to feel like I have the energy and 2)if I do need to eat more calories to hike if I will be able to do that after being sleeved. I worry I will only be able to eat a few tablespoons and that won't give me enough fuel to hike for a long time.

Any insight? Thanks!

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

I'm a veteran backpacker. I think the idea that backpackers "cram calories" to backpack is not true. I've been on the trail for as long as 30 days at a time (have done that twice) and did fine while eating 3 meals a day and eating some trail mix and drinking Gatorade during the day. You should be fine post WLS.

If you're just going out for a week or two, it's even less of a problem. After all, WLS never stopped anyone from grazing.

P.S. You're also in for a big surprise if you think you'll forever after be able to eat only a few tablespoons at a time.

[swizzle 120]

Thanks for this post! I also have this worry, as it's one of the things my husband and I love to do together and I don't want to lose it.

I've heard that the trick is drinking your calories while backpacking after WLS.

VSGAnn2014, do you have something of a meal plan you stick to on your trips? I'm not a veteran backpacker to your extent, but typically do 3 or so nights at about 12-15miles per day. I'm curious what the meals would look like, as well as Snacks, since they'd have to be lightweight, and I imagine MountainHouse is out

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

If you're used to doing 12-15 miles a day, you're already a tough cookie.

I think any freeze dried stuff is great. Likewise, Protein bars. And the aforesaid trail mix and Gatorade. Heck, even dark chocolate bars that don't melt easily would be great, too.

Obviously, grazing is not an acceptable post-op lifestyle. But it's the way to go as a backpacker. You're not required to eat exactly the same things you'll want to eat at home.

Big issue also -- plenty of liquids, more than the usual 64 ounces. This is always a challenge in desert environments, but easier in mountains that generate moisture.

I notice you're not sleeved yet. I suspect you're imagining that your long-term capacity will be smaller than it will be a year and a half out. Yes, the first six months probably won't be the time to tackle the full Appalachian or John Muir trails. So focus instead on day trips during that period.

Have patience. You don't have to prove anything to yourself or your husband. This will all happen in good time.