Doing a Thru-Hike of the Pacific Crest Trail?

[jacon 14]

Hi everyone!

Let me start by saying that I had the Gastric Sleeve done a little over two weeks ago. I've been cleared for soft foods, and I've found that I have a great deal of restriction in my sleeve.

It's always been a dream of mine to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail. I hike on a regular basis already, but I'm wondering if a thru-hike will be possible with my new anatomy? Some problems that I am foreseeing is that I would have to eat a ton of calories every day since I would be hiking pretty much all day for 5 months straight. Like I said, I have a pretty good amount of restriction with my sleeve now, so I imagine this part may be a little difficult. One recommendation I have seen online to get in extra calories on the trail is to add olive oil on everything. Another problem I may have is drinking a decent amount of Water. Since I have to wait thirty minutes now between drinking and eating, I think this may cause a problem as well. Basically, I just wanna know if doing a thru-hike of either trail I mentioned is feasible with my sleeve? I won't be doing a thru-hike this year, but maybe next year? Of course, I will discuss this question with my doctor as well, but I thought I would get advice here as well.

Thank you

[Matt Z 4,138]

6 hours ago, jacon said:

Hi everyone!

Let me start by saying that I had the Gastric Sleeve done a little over two weeks ago. I've been cleared for soft foods, and I've found that I have a great deal of restriction in my sleeve.

It's always been a dream of mine to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail. I hike on a regular basis already, but I'm wondering if a thru-hike will be possible with my new anatomy? Some problems that I am foreseeing is that I would have to eat a ton of calories every day since I would be hiking pretty much all day for 5 months straight. Like I said, I have a pretty good amount of restriction with my sleeve now, so I imagine this part may be a little difficult. One recommendation I have seen online to get in extra calories on the trail is to add olive oil on everything. Another problem I may have is drinking a decent amount of Water. Since I have to wait thirty minutes now between drinking and eating, I think this may cause a problem as well. Basically, I just wanna know if doing a thru-hike of either trail I mentioned is feasible with my sleeve? I won't be doing a thru-hike this year, but maybe next year? Of course, I will discuss this question with my doctor as well, but I thought I would get advice here as well.

Thank you

It's possible, but it'll be tough since you can't really do any carb or calorie loading. And the Water thing, the 30 after is important for keeping the food in your stomach longer, the before thing... I don't see any reason for it really, I don't follow it and haven't had an issue.

Not sure when you are looking to start this, but I'd wait until you are 6 months to a year out from surgery before you attempt the trek.

[J San 1,071]

That sounds like a fantastic goal and I hope you are able to someday do it. I'm sure there is someway around your concerns. Good luck both in getting to that point and completing what you want to accomplish.

[karen_marie 220]

I second @Matt Z's advice and comments, especially waiting until you're a year+ out from surgery. I'd add maybe seeing a nutritionist before you plan to actually do the hike - even before any long training hikes prior to your trip. They may have some good tips on hiking-friendly foods that will work for us special folks Seeing them early enough will allow you to test out nutrition on your training hikes to see what works for you. And PS I'm suuuuper jealous! Would love to hike even part of the PCT someday.