Travel in Developing Countries

[chasingpolaris321 214]

Hi All!

I recently found out that there's a strong chance that I am going to be relocated to South Africa for work for an indefinite amount of time, and I'm trying to figure out what sorts of things I need to think about related to my sleeve. I am six months out now and tolerate everything pretty well, but I am going to be traveling around Sub-Saharan Africa for about 50% of the time and I just haven't come up with a good strategy for managing my eating. I don't have a super specific question, I guess I'm just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience with extensive travel in developing countries. Thank you!!!!!

[Miss Mac 6,262]

I found The Congo Cookbook online. You can download it from LULU for $23 and change. Amazon.com does not have it. But it you go to this link:
http://www.congocookbook.com/index.html

You can download the individual recipes for free.

I don't know what else to tell you without knowing if yo are going to be in the bush, villages, or larger cities.

I was just reading that the open markets in the villages are hotbeds of food poisoning. Just do your homework on this one. I am sure you will find a way to get healthy palatable Protein with what is available.

Tell us more about your trip.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

What a fabulous opportunity. I can't answer your question but I would love to hear more about your experiences.

[chasingpolaris321 214]

Thank you both for your responses! I will definitely look more into that cookbook.

I will be living in Johannesburg which is very large and modern, so I am not really worried about eating there. It's like any other big city with large grocery stores etc. I am more worried about times when I am being hosted while traveling to the other countries. I spent around a year in East Africa, and it's considered very rude in many places to not eat large portions when you are a guest. I cannot physically eat nearly that much, and so I'm just worried about offending people.

I'm also worried because a lot of the foods I ate while there were rice based, and I know rice is mostly a no no with the sleeve. I think most of my travel will be in relatively urban areas, but I'm sure I'll be in rural parts from time to time. I have host families all over the place who I miss and would like to visit.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I understand your dilemma. Is there someone (a native to the culture/s) you could ask?

I would hope that there has got to be a polite way to decline large quantities or explain that you physically can't eat things that will make you ill.

The whole idea of weight loss surgery in cultures where food is traditionally scarce has got to seem unreal so I don't even think going into detail about your surgery would be helpful or appropriate but there must be a way to show respect without hurting yourself. Plus I would think that in food scarce cultures, Protein would be at a premium and carbs would be a staple. Is there a way you can provide appropriate food gifts to your hosts (something they value that you could eat).

This is an interesting issue and I am curious to hear what solution/s you arrive at (if there are any).

[Hoginona04 61]

I was in the same type situation, working in the middle east. Not being a fan of the arabic or indian dishes, I too had to come up with an alternative. I found that seafood, (which I love) is normally an option on the menu in one form or another. I also pack a large check in bag with Protein powder, Protein Bars by the box, beef Jerky, Vitamins, dry Beans and a small crock pot, a egg genie for making quick boiled eggs. So far, no issues on my end. Hope some of these ideas help.