I’m 13 years post-op and pretty much have my hacks for getting in the amount of protein that I need to stay healthy and strong.

However, I have booked a cruise for the fall and am concerned about how I will do that without my usual routines?

Any tips that don’t require taking half a suitcase of protein shakes with me? LOL

It probably depends a lot on what your normal diet looks like. If, for example, you normally drink protein shakes and want to continue having those, then you could take protein powder that you mix with water or milk.

Honestly though, if this is just a week or two, why worry about it? I'd say go have fun and eat whatever you want on the cruise. If when you get back home you find your weight has creeped up, just reduce your intake a bit for a while until you get back to your current weight (assuming you like being at your current weight).

You're on vacation. There are no rules on vacation, especially 13 years post-op.

Having said that, protein first as always. The rest can wait until you get home.

I've never had an issue finding tolerable foods and I dump on sugars and fats, so more restrictive than most. Cruises are known for their volume and variety of food. They even cater to different diets. You'd really have to work pretty hard to have a problem.

Good luck,

Tek

I get the routine thing. I very much stick as closely to my routine as I can but sometimes I just can’t. All I can do is Just make the best choices I can. I can do no more than that. Don’t beat myself up about it but know I will be back in my routine when I get home. That’s all you can do too. You don’t want to negatively colour your wonderful holiday overly worrying about dietary choices.

There are things you can do. Keep your activity up. Check on what the cruise offers in terms of gyms, walking routes around the ship, classes, etc. and make a plan to incorporate something every day. Plus you’ll probably be doing a lot of walking at your various stops which will help balance any additional calories you consume.

But you may be surprised at what may be available food wise. Don’t hesitate to ask for changes to dishes either. And if you put on a couple of pounds, you’ll find they drop off once you’re back on your path only needing a small change temporarily to lose them.

Have a n amazing time on the cruise.