Work is sending me to Japan for a few days! I'm very excited, but concerned about managing my sleeve (I'm over 8 mos out from surgery).

I know they serve a lot of fish (yeah - I love it!), but am concerned that rice is a big part of the meals. I don't like tofu or miso. I know the food will taste a lot different - will I have issues with eating it?

I'm also concerned about the jet lag with such a big time difference. Lastly, I'm worried because the websites say it is tough to get meds (including vitamins) into the country.

Has anyone been to Japan that can help me?

Edited September 7, 201411 yr by Texasmeg

I have been to China, Thailand, Africa and never once had problems with meds and crossing into these countries, so I certainly wouldn't worry, just don't put a pile of single pills in a baggie, that might look bad, just carry them in the bottles from your pharmacy. Haven't heard of anyone ever having problems, and I have friends that go there regularly! Enjoy your trip, and the food.

According to the State Dept. website, Japan requires you to have an original prescription signed by a doctor and a letter stating the purpose of the meds. Even then, they may not let some through (and the State Dept. said it isn't clear which ones - they don't have a copy of the list).

You should be able to get tons of vegetables in Japan. Just continue to eat protein and veggies. Ignore the rice, if you ignore it now. Have a fab time. The jet lag....everyone has a different approach. I travel to Europe and I have to sleep the frist day I arrive. There is another school of thought that believe you should not sleep after l landing. Well, I sleep as soon as I get to my hotel, wake up eat, walk around and go right back to sleep. The next day I'm rearing to go.

Just texted a friend who's brother lives in Japan, and the whole family goes back and forth for visits, and never had a problem, she said they never even thought of it of being an issue before (never crossed their minds to think of it), her mom is 78 and she too goes back and forth to Japan, and it's never crossed her mind either about taking meds into Japan (she does and several). I'd be more worried about do I have enough room in my suitcase for everything I've bought.

I've been to Japan 7 or so times and have never had any problems with my meds, I just took them in their original bottles. As far as food goes, yakitori is a good bet, grilled meat on a stick...obviously there is fish, but there are plenty of healthy options. I also just ignored the rice.