Hi everyone. I had a lap band put in in 2011. I've lost 100 pounds. I've stayed active since then, at the gym pretty much 5-7 days a week, or doing something active every day. I got a bike about 4 months ago and ride steady every day or few days, averaging 50 miles a week. I did my first group bike ride a few weeks ago and did great, finished 35 miles. I did a ride yesterday and my goal was 40. I bottomed out at 33.73 and had to be driven in the rest of the route. The issue I ran into was keeping my body fueled. Not too much problem keeping hydrated, but getting my food in during the ride, well, that seems to be an issue. I rode an hour and a half yesterday and burned 2100 calories. Rest stops provide fresh fruit and other things like sandwiches and other high carb (which i need on the ride) items my band doesn't like. So, my question is, are there any bariatric cyclists out there who have dealt with these issues and have suggestions? Not getting my 40 miles in yesterday was pretty devastating and I am determined to keep biking. So any help or suggestions is much appreciated.

Sandra

Higher calorie protein bars?

http://www.gnc.com/meal-replacement-bars-boxes/507501.html?product_id=507501&flagtype=nonbrand&vendor=none&channel=ppc&adpos=1o2&creative=189757865641&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KEQjwwLHLBRDEq9DQxK2I_p8BEiQA3UDVDvDgvHdsBwquTte8fh76qmbvYQf11QfrW4wOsFoHq4MaAjgq8P8HAQ

I use these when I am burning a ton of calories because there is no way I can consume enough calories otherwise.

The fruit, if eaten alone, will bottom you out. The protein bars have protein and carbs, so it helps keep things even. (That's the idea of sandwiches.. protein and carbs together). The Native Americans ate Pemmican.. (meat, fat, and fruit, mixed together). Hikers' staple is gorp (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts). The fat and protein in the peanuts offsets the sugar rush of the raisins. Drinkable yogurts could work if they have enough protein. I think you're looking for about a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio, carbs to protein+fat. Not 30:1

I don't know if you are riding hard and fast, or at a moderate pace. If you're breathless, protein and fat won't digest, and you'll be hurting. I assume if there are sandwiches, everyone is taking a little break...

I'm a runner and like bonk bars which are protein and carb.

Hi.. I joined this group several months ago and have lurking ever since. I'm still going through the pre-op process and hope to have my sleeve done in November/December.

My road bike is my happy place and I'll do anything to ride as often as I can which is usually about five days a week. Not being able to drink and eat as often as I need to on a longer ride is very concerning to me as well. I rarely eat at the rest stops anymore unless there's some fruit or peanut butter sandwiches, otherwise I bring my own food. Even though I haven't had the surgery yet, I'm trying hard to already start living the lifestyle as someone who has. For the past couple of months, I've been taking a couple pouches of Gerber baby foods (usually the banana flavor) with me.. they're easy to keep in your jersey pocket and don't require refrigeration. There's no sugar added either. As for protein, I'll bring some peanut butter or beef jerky too.

I'm so looking forward to being a lighter rider!!

Thank you so much for this post.... last year I bought an 18 pound road bike that at 247 I felt like I was to heavy to ride... but my surgery is in 3 weeks..... and I can't wait to get at it.

I do triathlons...many people on my team use liquid based nutrition (scratch, uncann, infinity) on their longer distances. They say it is easier on their stomach. Note these are non-Bariatric patients. That may be an option.

Once I start rebuilding my distance, it will be a lot a trial and error to see what my new stomach can handle.

Thank you all for your wonderful advice and thoughts. It always helps me to hear what another bariatric patient is going through, or when they have found something that works. It's encouraging. All the best to those of you about to have surgery. I can only speak for myself, but even with the issues I've had, I have no regrets and would do it again. I am going to try the advice, see what works best for me. Even though I've had my band over six years, every day is a new day as far as what I can intake. I know hydration is key. So I have learned to go with the flow. My non bariatric cyclists friends tell me they feel what I experienced was heat exhaustion..not sure I can do anything about that during the summer months, and I'm sure not going to stop biking. Bike on!!