I am traveling via bus to NYC with my daughter, her team & their families. We will be traveling all day Thursday, arrive in NYC Thursday late afternoon and will be leaving NYC late afternoon Sunday, arriving very late Sunday/early Monday. I am very excited about this trip, but the food part is a little stressful. Background: I am 2 months post op and have been cleared for all food. However, dense meat sometimes is a struggle. Sometimes I have no issues, other times I have major issues.

My question to you is this....the coach has the itinerary all laid out and because we will be "on the go" she has provided small meals for everyone. However, most of the meals are things I wouldn't eat...cereal or bagel for Breakfast, pbj or subs (ok I can pick off the meat) for lunches, pizza for dinner, etc. There will be a few evenings that we are on our own, so I will be fine there. But I reach out to you all for just some suggestions-because a high Protein diet I feel like I need a cooler, but cant carry it with me through the city. I'm looking more for ideas as I walk around town. I am still not feeling hunger, and I have reminders in my phone that it's time to eat. So I worry I won't have the right things available. I will bring some pre made shakes and keep them in my fridge for breakfast, and maybe some powder and keep that in my purse as I walk thru town. But I can't just veer off and walk into a restaurant to get food when we are together as a group. I have Protein Bars, but NUT says use them sparingly...and I worry about them melting. I thought I could keep a small bag of nuts in my purse too. Does anyone have suggestions for me?

I appreciate your time!

First off, I would recommend you use Protein bars. I like Quest. (They don't melt.) They are my go-to protein supplement when I travel. I usually order these by the box over the internet. Although your NUT says use these sparingly, this 5-day trip is probably an exception. Protein is more important than doing without.

I agree with you that the meals offered by your coach are probably not in your best interest. At 2 months post-op RNY, your meal volume is still relatively small. So long as you can get your protein in through supplements, food is secondary. Even an apple might do as a meal.

Next, when I eat out, the easiest foods are chili (such as at Wendy's), crunchy tacos (at Taco Bell) and many Soups.

Generally when I am on a trip or eating out, I tend to lose weight.

You can get those Quest bars at your local GNC as well given you are leaving in two days. They are filling and will give you the Protein needed.

Have you tried beef jersey or turkey Jerky. It is a great source of protein and you can carry them in your purse. You have to make sure you chew them well but it works great for traveling.

Can you get some cheese sticks and put them in your purse as well.

Of course nuts will also work.

Good luck on your trip! It sounds like a lot of fun!

I agree with the Jerky. I know some brands that have a small package that is only 70 calories and 11-15g of Protein. Great for on the on the go. String cheese is another good one.

Good luck and safe travels

I love the p3. They're also available at most gas stations! That with cheese sticks, or mini babybel.

Where I'm at you can find the Quest bars at 7-11s and at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Measure out some Protein powder and take it along.

Take some Quest bars, too.

Easy.

I traveled at 6 months out and used the pre made shakes, Quest bars, and turkey jerkey. Shakes don't have to be refrigerated so I would just get Ice any where, Quest bars don't melt and are really good!! Turkey Jerkey is awesome becaue it can be small and light. those 3 plus Water, I lived on them for 5 days :-)

Protein is more important than food, so bars for the trip my doctor also said was an exception and Okay.

Thank you so much! On the hunt for quest bars in the morning! ????????????

I even found Quest Bars at my local grocery store. I would agree this is an exception. I am 2 months out and haven't had jerky or nuts yet, but going on my first trip next week so I am going to try those this weekend as well. I was going to say Cheesestick also or the Babybel cheese (wrapped in wax kind so I don't think it would have to be refrigerated and shouldn't melt). Also maybe take some Crystal Light (or other brand) in the single to go packs (that you just dump in water). Might be a good change and could help flavor a vanilla shake. Premier Protein doesn't have to be refrigerated. STAY HYDRATED above all else! Bottle of Water in your hand wherever you go.

Have fun!

Can't help with food suggestions since I'm not post-op but I bought the greatest backpack cooler at Target about six months ago. Perfect size to stick under or over a bus seat and great for on the go activities. I carry mine on planes with a note that I have a medical need to carry my own food. Might want to see if you can find it. I use it all the time!

Roasted edamame, sunflower seeds, nuts, EAS pre-made protein drinks are my suggestions. You will be surprised how many how many health nuts are in NYC-you will find protein options in many stores along your journey. Good luck