Travel 6 months Post-op

[Julie.Nudge 2]

Hello All,

I am very new to the group and have not had my surgery yet but am scheduled for June 13th and I am excited to start losing weight exponentially even though I already have while on weight loss meds and starting a gym regimen while in the pre-op stages.

My question for you all is if anyone traveled abroad within their first year post op? I am planning on going to Peru in Dec-Jan for two weeks and while I realize I will still have minimal portion sizes I feel I can make it work due to the wide variety of delicious/nutritious foods in the region that dont necessarily have to be carb-loaded. If anyone has experience with traveling to South America/Peru specifically your input would be much appreciated! I am hopeful that by that time I will be able to swim, walk and overall be active around touristy areas with ease but please let me know if there is anything else I should be aware of or try to pack before my travels to ensure I meet all of my nutritional needs.

[Shanna NYC 148]

Welcome to the group and congrats on the upcoming surgery and all the pre-op success.

I have not traveled to Peru, but I did go to Mexico about 9.5 months post op. Honestly it wasn't difficult at all. Typically by 8 weeks you should be healed on the inside and cleared for pretty much all movement. So by 6 months you'd be fine - generally speaking.

I would say just packing all your Vitamins and supplements is key of course. I also packed Snacks mainly for the actual travel part - plane and car rides. I had Jerky, cheese crisps, Protein Bars, portioned nuts and low carb chocolate. I had more than I really needed, but it definitely helped to have options. You could also consider Protein Powder or shakes in case. Also a reusable Water bottle/cup comes in handy to ensure you stay hydrated.

I stayed at an all inclusive resort and there were many healthy fresh options for all meals. The buffet Breakfast had a ton of fresh fruit and veggies, a bunch of egg options - egg whites, hardboiled eggs, etc. and the meat Protein options, yogurt and cheeses. There were various milks both dairy and non dairy options. dinner menus had accommodations for different dietary needs. Off resort also wasn't difficult to navigate as there is a lot of protein and veg options.

I found getting in movement was not difficult either. There was a gym, aerobic classes and water sports. But honestly walking around the resort, the pool, walking on the beach, the walking tours off resort - i never missed an exercise goal.

The variables can happen depending on the area you are staying I'm sure, but I have friends who frequently travel to Peru to visit family and frequent many local cafes that have plentiful healthy options - healthier than you find in the states unless you grow it yourself since a majority is local and doesn't have to travel far at all.

You will not likely be able to get exact specifics of macros if you like to track your food, but by 6 months you'll have an idea of estimated protein amounts and general portions for most foods you are likely to eat. As long as you stick with protein first, then veg and carbs last you should be good.

[summerseeker 2,124]

Hello and congratulations on your surgery date.

I travelled a few times in Europe in the first 6 months. I too looked for advice on here. There they had many Protein products easily available. I supplemented the hotel food with protein yogurts. From the buffet I was ok with omelettes, bacon, Beans and tomatoes. I found Soups, deli meats, cheeses, fish and minced meat dishes ok for my evening meal. At that time I couldn't eat chicken, rice, Pasta, potatoes, salads and pastry. For the most part they are still off my menu.

Everyone is different in how they recover from this surgery. By then you will know your own routine. You will have plenty of energy to do all kinds of activities. My calories were very low at that time so I had energy and then it quickly ran out and I would go for a glass of milk or a milky latte to perk me up long enough until my next meal.

I took with me Jerky, nuts, cheese Snacks and protein bars. You could take protein powder to add to your food. If you can get to a large supermarket, you will be sure to find Protein Drinks and protein yogurts. They are popular the world over now due to body building.

[catwoman7 11,210]

you should be fine. It's mostly the first couple of months that can be a real challenge.

[BlueParis 117]

I was in Eygpt at 8 weeks post op for a couple of weeks and was totally fine!

[Spinoza 1,367]

No personal experience of travel in South America but I've had loads of holidays whilst on my post op diet. Honestly if you stick to Protein first, veg second and carbs last (by a long way) I think you can travel anywhere in the world. I hope you really enjoy your vacay.

[ShoppGirl 4,776]

I wonder if it would be cheaper to just mail a box ahead to the hotel with your Snacks and supplements than to have to check An extra bag if you are like me and won’t have the room for all that. 😂. I would’ve suggested Amazon if it was within the US but I don’t know the cost or shipping time for international orders. I know that I would prefer to just have it with me or there waiting for me instead of wasting vacation time shopping for necessities. Plus I assume the brands we are familiar with would be expensive to buy there.

[Julie.Nudge 2]

46 minutes ago, ShoppGirl said:

I wonder if it would be cheaper to just mail a box ahead to the hotel with your Snacks and supplements than to have to check An extra bag if you are like me and won’t have the room for all that. 😂. I would’ve suggested Amazon if it was within the US but I don’t know the cost or shipping time for international orders. I know that I would prefer to just have it with me or there waiting for me instead of wasting vacation time shopping for necessities. Plus I assume the brands we are familiar with would be expensive to buy there.

Personally, I do actually have loads of luggage space since I plan on bringing 1) lots of cute outfits with me and 2) many many MANY souvenirs back home. Plus buying the tickets months in advance has made it easier for me to upgrade the luggage since there’s no way two weeks worth of clothes were all gonna fit in my carry on since we plan on adventuring and going out all across Lima. One sole/sol is about 1/3 USD so definitely cheaper to buy stuff over there the only thing I really thought about brining is Protein powder/shakes but then I feel powder might freak TSA out too much. 😂

[Julie.Nudge 2]

7 hours ago, Shanna NYC said:

Welcome to the group and congrats on the upcoming surgery and all the pre-op success.

I have not traveled to Peru, but I did go to Mexico about 9.5 months post op. Honestly it wasn't difficult at all. Typically by 8 weeks you should be healed on the inside and cleared for pretty much all movement. So by 6 months you'd be fine - generally speaking.

I would say just packing all your Vitamins and supplements is key of course. I also packed Snacks mainly for the actual travel part - plane and car rides. I had Jerky, cheese crisps, Protein Bars, portioned nuts and low carb chocolate. I had more than I really needed, but it definitely helped to have options. You could also consider Protein Powder or shakes in case. Also a reusable Water bottle/cup comes in handy to ensure you stay hydrated.

I stayed at an all inclusive resort and there were many healthy fresh options for all meals. The buffet Breakfast had a ton of fresh fruit and veggies, a bunch of egg options - egg whites, hardboiled eggs, etc. and the meat Protein options, yogurt and cheeses. There were various milks both dairy and non dairy options. dinner menus had accommodations for different dietary needs. Off resort also wasn't difficult to navigate as there is a lot of Protein and veg options.

I found getting in movement was not difficult either. There was a gym, aerobic classes and Water sports. But honestly walking around the resort, the pool, walking on the beach, the walking tours off resort - i never missed an exercise goal.

The variables can happen depending on the area you are staying I'm sure, but I have friends who frequently travel to Peru to visit family and frequent many local cafes that have plentiful healthy options - healthier than you find in the states unless you grow it yourself since a majority is local and doesn't have to travel far at all.

You will not likely be able to get exact specifics of macros if you like to track your food, but by 6 months you'll have an idea of estimated protein amounts and general portions for most foods you are likely to eat. As long as you stick with protein first, then veg and carbs last you should be good.

Since you stayed in an inclusive resort I take it the water quality was fine but there is actually a warning for travelers going to Peru to not drink tap water due to Giardia (which I never do anyways )but did you do anything to water while off resort in Mex to ensure it was clean? Thanks so much!

[Shanna NYC 148]

49 minutes ago, Julie.Nudge said:

Since you stayed in an inclusive resort I take it the Water quality was fine but there is actually a warning for travelers going to Peru to not drink tap water due to Giardia (which I never do anyways )but did you do anything to water while off resort in Mex to ensure it was clean? Thanks so much!

No actually. I was in Puerto Vallarta and there was never actually any concern with the water at any location. A lot of places do have bottled options, but even a few spots w regular water just served at the table or ice in drinks were just fine. There were 7 of us all together, just myself with surgery, and we were all fine.

[BeanitoDiego 153]

I travelled internationally two months ago, and was 6 months post-op. I brought Protein bars, protein-enhanced electrolyte Water mix packets, an empty water bottle & coffee cup, and Snacks like a nut-based trail mix that I like to put together. I also hauled a giant plastic container of protein powder with me because I LIVE for my morning proffees. No problems crossing any borders or with any airports/security checkpoints.

[ShoppGirl 4,776]

3 minutes ago, BeanitoDiego said:

I travelled internationally two months ago, and was 6 months post-op. I brought Protein Bars, protein-enhanced electrolyte Water mix packets, an empty water bottle & coffee cup, and Snacks like a nut-based trail mix that I like to put together. I also hauled a giant plastic container of Protein Powder with me because I LIVE for my morning proffees. No problems crossing any borders or with any airports/security checkpoints.

I love the name “proffees”. I have one every morning as well as an iced coffee.

[Lilia_90 435]

Hello

Congrats on your upcoming surgery, hope it goes smoothly.

I traveled 3 weeks, 3 months and will be travelling 7 months post surgery. It was all smooth, my first trip was with my hubby and kids, so I would just eat tiny bits of their food, second trip was with hubby only and we would always order a salad/veggie dish and a healthy/ish entree where I would eat a bit of Protein and a bit of veggies and my hubby's mission was to clear the rest lol. As to what to pack, I only packed my Vitamins and Probiotics, if you can pack some high protein Snacks like beef Jerky, bars ...etc. then do that as I would get hungrier often due to all the walking and would need a snack, but where I traveled the supplement shops were always available so ...

Don't stress it, enjoy your time and food.

P.S. :

If there were leftovers I would always give them out to anyone in need ❤️

[NickelChip 1,205]

On 4/25/2024 at 9:06 PM, Julie.Nudge said:

Since you stayed in an inclusive resort I take it the Water quality was fine but there is actually a warning for travelers going to Peru to not drink tap water due to Giardia (which I never do anyways )but did you do anything to water while off resort in Mex to ensure it was clean? Thanks so much!

I know they make filters for giardia that backpackers use when treating water from streams. You can buy a water bottle with the special filter at hiking supply stores. That way, if you are concerned at all when out and about, you can just put the water you're served into your bottle to be sure it's been filtered completely. The one I saw online from Grayl runs about $90 and holds 24oz.

[c945105 13]

Traveling to Peru after surgery sounds like an amazing adventure, especially with all the nutritious food options available there. Just make sure to check in with your doctor about any travel-specific advice and ensure you have your medications and necessary supplements packed.

From my experience, keeping Snacks that align with your dietary needs can be helpful. I recently stayed at the westgate in Branson, where they offered great amenities for guests with specific dietary needs, which might be something to look for in your accommodations abroad.

Edited August 30 by c945105