Hi Friends,

Next week, I will go on my first full-fledge vacation since being sleeved. My best girlfriend and I are going on a four-day cruise sans spouses and kids. Woo hoo!

We actually depart on the day of my nine month sleeversary. I have no struggles with not being able to eat certain foods, etc. but I want to enjoy my cruise without killing my weightloss. To add to this, I am in the midst of my very first stall. I haven't lost in about two weeks. I understand the nature of stalls and I am grateful I've made it so long before the scale stopped, but I am concerned about going on this cruise where they throw food at you and being stalled. Ugh.

Any advice to help me stay focused, make best choices, etc.? I've cruised before, but in the past my focus was on eating as many calories as possible not avoiding them.

Thanks in advance!

Amanda

We're going on a 7-day cruise in February with my entire family for my cousin's wedding (there are about 25 from my family and 60-ish total attending!). I've already decided I'm not going to sweat the eating and drinking. I'm not going to purposely try to sabotage my dieting efforts, but I'm also not going to limit myself from enjoying a taste or two of the things I love. I plan to continue my exercise efforts on the ship (I figure it's got to be pretty motivating to run on the track on the top of the ship while looking out at the beautiful ocean!) and I'm going to remember to still eat my Protein first and DEFINITELY remember to stay hydrated (with more than just rum punch!). I'm going to enjoy cocktails with my family as well. If I stall or gain a pound or two, I know it will come off quickly once I get home and back to my regular routine.

The way I see it is that I had this surgery so I could get the excess weight off and enjoy life as a thinner "normal" person. Every cruise I've been on, most of the thin 'normal' people ate and drank to their hearts' content, so I know it's not going to be the end of the world if I treat myself to an extra sweet at the chocolate buffet or have that second glass of champagne.

I love cruises - and how cool to have a kid-free, hubby-free vacation. You gals are going to have a great time!!!

If I remember right, the buffet will usually have an omelette station for Breakfast, assorted yogurts, and cheeses / meats. Stick to those and grab a yogurt to stash in your purse for a mid morning snack. The cool thing about a cruise is that there is so much variety.

in my opinion, the only tough thing will be telling the waiters repeatedly that you don't want all the food when you are at dinner. I remember cruising before the sleeve and having 2 dinners beause they kept bringing them out. Find your favorite things and enjoy them. You girls will be so busy, there won't be time to graze. Focus on the activities, buy some spa time, and take some tours. Make sure to have a snack in your bag and you will have an awesome time.

Have fun!!!

I love cruises and have been on several-not since being sleeved-but I have thought about my next one which is when I am 7 months out.

I found that eating in the dining room as opposed to the buffet-you are served smaller portions and the eating is slower. With most waiters I have found that if you request something once (such as low fat dressing or no bread) they will remember that each time. You can also ask for skim milk or no Water. They are used to unusual requests and will think nothing of it.

Take your own water bottle so you can refill it often, that way you are not relegated to buying their water (at outrageous prices) or having to go to the water dispenser each time you want a drink.

Even of you do eat at the buffet-you will be able to select the quantities that you want of the items you want. There is usually a large fruit and salad bar and a large selection of sugar free Desserts. I personally have not been fond of most of the desserts (they seem to all taste the same although they look different) and so it wasn't hard to pass those up. Of course you can always share with your girlfriend.

Take your own Snacks so you aren't tempted to buy something that wouldn't normally be your choice.

And then remember. This is only 4 days of your life. I'm sure you can splurge a LITTLE. Have a great time.

Wonderful advice ladies. Thanks so much. Now, if this stall would just die a horrible death.

Am I the only one that thinks the stall will break when Amanda starts eating different foods at odd hours and doing different activities than her usual?