Eating Right While Traveling Internationally

[bloreorbust 286]

Me and my pouch are hitting the open skies! It's our first trip together, and includes 4 10hr flights (2 there and 2 back). I'm 6 months out, so not completely new, but the thought of having such limited options for food/water for such a long period of time make me nervous. Does anyone who has travelled post-op either domestically or internationally have some advice they would be willing to share?

-How did you manage getting enough Water in while flying? (those cups they give you are tiny!)

-Did/were you able to bring Protein Bars or beef Jerky or anything like that?

-Did you need a letter from your surgeon/doctor for anything?

Also, I'm going to be in India for 3 weeks and am thinking about how to manage my dietary guidelines and get all my Protein in. If anyone has been through a similar experience, I would appreciate it so much if you would share what you know.

[Dee_1111 317]

ohhh me,me, Pick ME...lololl...

When I boarded the aircraft..yeayyyyy I fit in the seat!!!!...I told my fly-guy I was bariatric and needed a couple bottles of Water, it was imperative...got them...I brought my own Snacks in my carry one..saw other people with mcD's bags..so I know its ok to carry food on.

My bariatic friends travel abroad a lot..we teach other about the foods we discovered while globe trotting..Here's the sad part..lol..today you can eat 'American' food in just about any where you go..how sad is that!!!..no discovering good food like that!!!..make it a food adventure and discover what you can eat in India, come back and fill me in like crazy..oh how exciting...I be waiting..!!!! lucky you..

[bloreorbust 286]

ohhh me,me, Pick ME...lololl...

When I boarded the aircraft..yeayyyyy I fit in the seat!!!!...I told my fly-guy I was bariatric and needed a couple bottles of Water, it was imperative...got them...I brought my own Snacks in my carry one..saw other people with mcD's bags..so I know its ok to carry food on.

My bariatic friends travel abroad a lot..we teach other about the foods we discovered while globe trotting..Here's the sad part..lol..today you can eat 'American' food in just about any where you go..how sad is that!!!..no discovering good food like that!!!..make it a food adventure and discover what you can eat in India, come back and fill me in like crazy..oh how exciting...I be waiting..!!!! lucky you..

Thank you so much for replying! I wasn't sure if I could bring food on or not. That helps a lot.

I eat and make Indian food quite a bit, but post surgery not so much. It is very carbcentric! Even so, actually eating and cooking to my needs in India is going to be a totally new experience. I will totally share what I learn and tips!

[B-52 7,113]

First, I'm a bander....I travel a lot...I have no problem finding food to eat, I eat very little these days...

My biggest fear is Food Poisoning or perhaps some parasite.....

Not good at all for people with the lap band, and in foreign lands you cannot always rely on people to be knowledgeable of the Surgery I had....

I spoke with my Dr. about this, discussed with him what precautions steps I could do if the worse should happen, and he approved....

[Dee_1111 317]

sweeettt...gotta tell you this...even 4 years out, I stand in my kitchen chopping or just making food for the week, and I'm just a bitchin'..it always takes me 45 minutes to chop, sauté, bake, broil or boil, my weeks worth of food...arrrhhh..I now have a fricken TV in the kitchen for company..sad really...lololo..I hate all that chopping, gets tedious, it really does. Good lord, the women who HAD to cook from scratch ALL THE TIME!!!..alas, I do it, but certainly don't love IT!!!...LOLOL

[Dee_1111 317]

OOOHH..B..good point..I don't know anyone who got sick traveling abroad, but..such a good point. I personally haven't been overseas since my surgery, but now that you bring it up, its a good piece of knowledge to have. Apparently I have some (more) research to do. Its a never ending learning curve this new life has to offer. In my previous fat life, this subject wouldn't have interested me in the slightest..Your awesome Dude!!!..parasites, yep can ruin a great vaca.

[bloreorbust 286]

I used to sit and watch tv while I chop because standing over the counter would hurt my back. Now I can stand and chop and cook to my heart's content without hurting. Yay NSVs! All of my friends are going to get so much fatter now from all the food I make for them lol.

[parisshel 1,892]

I fly internationally quite a bit, but I've never flown to India so I can't comment on how to eat WLS-friendly there. I take my own food for the airports and the flights since I've never found airport food nor airline food to be friendly to my particular WLS (lapband). I take Protein bars (this is the only time I eat them as usually I find them disgusting and never eat them outside of flying), nuts, fruit or fruit compote in little squeeze pouches, raisins, and, if I'm returning from the USA towards Europe, Peanut Butter in individual packets. (Just because these are so cute!)

For Water, I always take through security an empty 1-litre bottle which I then fill from a post-security airport bathroom, or I just wait until I'm on the plane and I have the stewards fill it for me. (Or I ask for one of their bottles but sometimes--depending on the carrier --cough cough Air France--cough cough they aren't nice and won't give me one of their bottles. British Airways is very good about giving me a whole bottle of Water, contrary to the French carrier.)

I carry my lapband ID card, and I also travel with my latest xray showing my fill level and lapband position. (I know this doesn't apply to you but should another lapbander be reading this....). I also take anti-nausea and anti-diarrehea meds, especially when traveling to a 2nd or 3rd world country.

Have a wonderful trip!

[bloreorbust 286]

Thanks B and parisshel! My husband made it through with an empty water bottle without issue last time, so I guess I will give that a try. Heck maybe 2 bottles. Living dangerously! Lol. With a cpap machine as well. I may just ask for a pat down for good measure.

[LexFl 37]

Passed security you can buy Water bottles in the airport that you're allowed to take on the plane. As well as filling an empty bottle with water from a fountain after making your way through security. As far as food packing little Snacks for flight time is great, Protein bars, almonds, or high Fiber snacks usually are my go to. I've never been to India so I don't know what it will be like to be eating there but I can tell you that on my trips to Europe post sleeve I've found I'm higher energy after eating there than here. I have also lost weight on every trip I've been on, even when starting off in a stall. Probably due to all the walking and activity that comes with sight seeing. Usually I try to just stay mindful of my protein intake and allow myself a few indulgences in the delicacies of the country I am in. Enjoy your trip!!!