This Saturday we are heading to San Francisco (from New York) and eventually doing the Pacific Coast Highway drive to San Diego (hopefully, the fires will be under control!). I am presently starting my 5th week after banding. Here are my questions:

1. What foods can be taken on the airplane - since pretzels and nuts are not on my list?

2. When on the road trip - I think I'm okay for Breakfast and dinner, but what kinds of foods will I be able to eat and what kind of restaurants for lunch? Obviously, the old favorites, McDonalds and Burger King are out!

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

I was able to eat just about anything at 5 weeks post-op. What are your doctor's guidelines?

I'm leaving for San Jose on Wednesday! We're staying in Pacific Grove and doing the Hiway One thing as well. I too am worried about the fires! Looking forward to exploring the wine country.

When I travel I always toss a couple cans of slim fast in my suitcase. I'm tight after I fly on a long flight at high altitude. I can't eat anything for a day or two. I also bring stuff like applesauce, tuna, pudding, just so I have something and it's portable. You're going to have a very long flight. If you tighten up try something like V8 juice. It's low calorie and a little thicker. In the airport, I had trouble finding something agreeable to me, but then I discovered some airports have smoothie stands and some will put Protein in their drinks. So I buy a smoothie and take it on the plane with me.

Your options are pretty open. I actually found something I could eat at McDonald's by the way. A grilled chicken patty is perfect if you don't have many choices on where to go. Sometimes I will take a grilled chicken salad but I dont eat the dressing.

You want to be careful after flying or if you eat in the car. You can be a lot more tight after flying. Having something get stuck in a car is not a pleasant experience either. However, if you are 5 weeks out and have not had a fill yet you may still be relatively open and not have much of a problem.

Options are really pretty open. I have found that many restaurants have cottage cheese or similar items that are easy for me to eat in a pinch. Even a little oatmeal or eggs for breakfast work well. You may just want to get an extra plate and share what your co-travelers having if it is a family member. You can't eat much and portions are oversized everywhere.

I had to take a trip at 16 days post op and at that point I was just on soft solids. I cooked up some ground beef and squash to take with me on the plane in a little soft cooler and there were no problems getting it through (Logan Airport) security. I also made sure I packed some premade packets of soy Protein shakes, I bought the individual ones at Whole Foods, so I could mix them with a bottle of Water. I was nervous about this because, well, flying with an unidentified powder can make the TSA and DEA nervous. Dried Soup packets are a good fall back too as are Peanut Butter crackers. I was fortunate at my destination because I had a place to refridgerate my food. It lasted me a few days because at that point I could only eat a little at a time.

If you are checking a bag, you can throw in some things like sealed packets of tuna or (as I think someone else recommended) some applesauce or canned fruit.

I was really nervous about travel in the first few months... I had to go to Spain at about 3 mos post op. Just try not to let yourself get too hungry and you will find there are almost always *some* options for you at every restaurant. And don't be shy about asking them to prepare it in a way that works for you! At the end of the day most every menu has soup or something like that. You'll be fine!!

Bon voyage,

BeantownDiva :biggrin2:

I was banded may 16th and have flown every week since June 3rd. Unfortunately I have to travel a lot for a living. Usually there is something at the airport you can eat even if you get a grilled chicken as was suggested and ignore the bun. As far as eating out I tend to do salads with protein or grilled fish or meat and veggies (OK sometimes a potato or some rice ). I have had no issues with flying and feeling restricted, so I think it may be a personal thing. I hope I don't start to have problems as unfortunately I do have to get places every week

Thanks for all your suggestions. I guess the first "outing" is a little scary, but I looked at my Stage 5 instructions, and my choices are certainly more varied. I am supposed to have my first fill on Thursday, but I may postpone if what I'm reading is that you have to go back on puree for a few days. I'm losing just because I am being so careful, so if I keep this frame of mind up, I can make it through vacation fairly well.

Thanks, again!