My RnY was just scheduled for August 17th. When I started this process last September, I anticipated having surgery around May, and had a vacation to Japan booked for November, thinking that it would be 6 months out. I imagined that I'd be mostly adjusted and just eat tiny portions on the trip. Now, it's only a three month gap and I'm a little more nervous about whether this is a good idea. Has anyone gone on a big vacation so close to surgery?

It would be difficult to delay this trip for a number of reasons that are too long to get into. Japan may not even be open for tourism by November and our initial plan was to rebook for Italy if that's the case, but I don't think Italian food would be any easier! My husband and I travel a lot in general so I know I need to figure this out at some point but is it too early?

I was planning to go to Hawaii a few months after surgery (I don't have a surgery date yet) and people told me it would be fine. At this point, it's taken so long that I'm now going to Barcelona in two weeks and probably won't make it to Hawaii. I've been to Italy twice, and I would just order meat or seafood or bean dishes rather than pasta. I don't really like pasta, so I know that's possible. In Italy, traditionally, pasta is served as one course, or as a side dish, but with all the tourists, that's really changed a lot. Three months out you could easily just order an antipasta (starter) and be fine. Or, you could stay in an apartment (my family did this) and buy from the supermarket/cook. It's like living as a local.

That's a great idea about just staying in an apartment and shopping at the stores, thanks!

as long as you know you will be altering how and what you eat you should be ok. It wasn't a "big" vacation, but i few and got married less than 30 days after sleeve sx. I swam, I rode a bike for 10 miles, and even went horseback riding.

Japan is on our to go list.......... We went to Italy may 2019, and i was sleeved 8/28/19...... it was amazing. We flew into Venice for a few day, then a train ride to Florance a few days and then to Rome....and home.

at three months out you'll probably be OK. I've been to Japan twice. As you know, they eat mostly meat (mostly fish, but other meat, too), vegetables, and rice. You should be able to handle meat and vegetables by then. I still can't eat much rice at six years out - but you can always leave that on your plate or just eat a little of it.

just read the rest of your post. I would think a lot of things in Italy would work, too. Maybe not pasta, but they have a lot of other things there, too.

Edited July 1, 20215 yr by catwoman7

Surprisingly, I happened to go on a family vacation just 1 week after surgery. At that point I was still on a liquid diet so wasn’t very hard to find things to eat. Doctor said it was ok as long as I felt ok. I had some discomfort from stiches but nothing major. I am now 4 month post op and eating normally so I don’t think you will have any problems with finding good food options in Japan.

Edited July 1, 20215 yr by Shawn17

I grew up eating lots of traditional Japanese foods and have gone to Japan often. The soups are fantastic! Best broths! By three months, you should be ok to eat a lot there and physically ok as well. They have yummy chicken or fish options and eat a lot of cooked veggies. Take some miralax with you just in case.

21 hours ago, cellbell said:

My RnY was just scheduled for August 17th. When I started this process last September, I anticipated having surgery around May, and had a vacation to Japan booked for November, thinking that it would be 6 months out. I imagined that I'd be mostly adjusted and just eat tiny portions on the trip. Now, it's only a three month gap and I'm a little more nervous about whether this is a good idea. Has anyone gone on a big vacation so close to surgery?

It would be difficult to delay this trip for a number of reasons that are too long to get into. Japan may not even be open for tourism by November and our initial plan was to rebook for Italy if that's the case, but I don't think Italian food would be any easier! My husband and I travel a lot in general so I know I need to figure this out at some point but is it too early?

I went on a long vacation around 4 months post op. It wasn’t too early (for me). I had absolutely no problem finding food and drinks at local markets. There were plenty of protein options, but I wasn’t in Japan. I would expect most of the protein from eggs, fish and tofu.

By that time I had a lot of extra energy I was walking for exercise, the burden of excess weight was being removed and I looked better than ever. All of those things increased my excitement towards the trip.

However, if you experience any major complications after surgery (not that you will, most people don’t) then reschedule when you feel better.

Edited July 2, 20215 yr by GreenTealael

I'm 7 months out. I've actually been travelling for the past 5 months through Armenia, Lebanon, Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Greece. It's really not hard to travel after surgery. Sometimes I think people get unnecessarily dramatic and freak out about how many supplements they need.

The things I do are just make sure to book a place with at least a mini fridge and microwave or cooktop. I also always have some kind of high protein food with me. Cans of tuna are available everywhere. I always keep some low fat cheese and yogurt in my fridge. Otherwise I get meals at restaurants and usually get an appetizer and take the leftovers home.

Also-I'm assuming you're from the USA. The American version of Italian food is not healthy. The Italian version of Italian food can be very healthy. You can easily find lean protein options on any menu. All of the supermarkets also have take away salads and deli meats. It's super easy.

Japan is also no problem and you can get fish or other seafood all over.

I’m going to WDW for 2 weeks, 4 months Post-OP ?.

By 3 months your are out of the most restrictive phases, so it should be fine.

Thanks all! This is so reassuring. ??