In about ten days I'm taking a week long trip to Paris and London. I'm really excited but I'm also really anxious. I've taken several trips since surgery, but this will be the first one where I won't really be able to make any of my meals. I keep meticulous record of all of the calories I consume, my protein, sugar, etc, and the way I do that is by making 90% of my food and by knowing the exact nutritional breakdown of what's in the other 10%. I also weigh and measure everything (except for those rare occasions when I go out to eat.) I don't feel comfortable whipping out my food scale at a fancy Parisian restaurant and, especially in Paris, I may not be able to read ingredients because I don't speak French. I'm also anxious because on one hand I don't want to have to be hyper vigilant about eat, but on the other, my weight loss has definitely slowed dramatically and as I get closer to my year "surgiversary" I feel like time is running out. I know that sounds odd, but I have this weird idea in my head that the surgery is going to stop being an effective tool once I hit that year mark. Logically I know there is no shadowy figure waiting to flip a switch to turn of my weight loss on February 10th, but it's an irrational fear I can't seem to shake. I also won't be able to exercise as intensely as I do now - I'll be doing a lot of walking, but as my itinerary is packed from dawn til dusk, I doubt I'll be able to do any actual cardio or strength training. Does anyone have any advice about how to eat when all of your meals are made by someone else? I'm planning on bringing a stack of Quest bars and all of my vitamins. Any advice on how to soothe my other anxieties?

Haha I'll try to remember that!!

I know you will. You're a good friend.

Have a wonderful, wonderful trip.....I know you will.

How exciting! You are going to have a blast! And look what you have done so far - 190 pounds?! That is amazing! Don't be paralyzed by the food and let it derail your fun. We all have to still live life. (Don't use vacation as an excuse either but you have to enjoy it!) Stick to the basics - Protein first, drink lots of Water and listen to your pouch. You will get so much exercise in from all the walking. (Take a pedometer or other fitness tracker. It will be fun to see how many steps you get in.) And promise yourself now, that if on the very off chance you gain a couple of pounds while gone, you will NOT beat yourself up. It WILL come off again!

PS - Just think of how much more comfortable you are going to be on the plane and how you can walk for days without it hurting!

Have a fabulous trip and be sure to post pics!

Hi there and congratulations on your success -- and this trip! My guess is you will probably lose weight. Focus on walking and moving around, getting exercise and having fun seeing all the sights. I think that making friends with food and our appetites is a challenge we all share. What better place than France to truly enjoy tastes of really good food that is good for you. Listen to your body and enjoy yourself. We don't overeat now and that frees us up for so much more.

Lost 1.5 lbs while at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico for 8 days!

Am headed to Mexico tomorrow for a week with some of the same concerns! Am bringing Protein powder, Vitamins, protein bars. Am planning to eat eggs, refried Beans, fish, cheese (am a pescatarian). Wish me luck!