Anyone do either a thru-hike or "pilgrimage" after surgery?

[momof3_angels 465]

I am still debating on the water bottle vs hydration pack. They say the hydration pack is inconvenient to refill along the way since you have to remove items from your pack to get to it. It seems most people take a smart Water disposable water bottle and refill it, because the disposable water bottles are so light and easy to replace if you want a new clean one. A few take their own water bottle from home. Last time I did that, the water bottle weighted too much ditched it for disposable water bottles. My current pack that I THINK I am going to take has an external hydration pack pocket, so that makes it easier to access to refill. It seems like most people carry no more than 1L at a time, although I might want more for those long stretches without water source. I might carry a 1.5L hydration pack... or I might carry 1-2 smart water bottles and clip them to the front straps of my pack for easy access. Another option is one big smart water bottle with a hydration hose. Amazon has some for water bottles. I do NOT want to have to reach into my backpack pocket to get to the water bottle. They are usually easy to get out... but often need assistance or to remove the pack to put them away. Too much hassle. And the more I think about it, I think I might be able to physically drink the most water if I do have the hydration pack with hose. Funny, such a little decision takes a lot of thought!

My bariatric multi is one big Vitamin with everything in it including the Iron. It also has Calcium, but I am supposed to also take 2 calcium nitrate chews daily at times that I do not take the multi. I just got my lab work back. Everything is pretty normal nutrition wise, and I am already not consistent with taking my Vitamins. I take my bariatric at least 50% of the time.

My nutritionist is great and had a lot of great tips that would be extremely helpful for most bariatric patients turned athletes/outdoor enthusiasts... but she obviously isn't familiar with a thru hike. Her suggestion was to bring ALL of my supplements from home with me, I had to explain.... I will be carrying EVERYTHING on my back, all day, every day, for 7 weeks (The hike and travel afterwards). I considered shipping from home to a mid-point location, but I decided against that for logistical reasons.

Via Francegina is on my bucket list, assuming I like the Camino as much as I think I will! There is also a system of trails at the top of the Alps where you hike lodging to lodging... once I am in good physical shape and my heart muscle is stronger, that is on my bucket list too! I also want to do the Appalachian Trail, but can only hike up to 7 weeks at a time, so that would take me several summers to complete. And I am intimidated by having to carry my tent/food in my pack. I think it will be much harder to support my healthy diet when I need to carry so much crap food that doesn't go bad and will be enough calories to support a wilderness thru hike.