I'm traveling to China (major cities) later this summer. In reading through the information on meals it looks like I'll have some challenges with finding protein. Also there are a number of references to mineral water as an option for their undrinkable tap water. Has anyone traveled to China while banded? If so, do you have any suggestions for food choices or any other information about bottled water (not mineral water)? I am planning to bring some protein bars but may need to increase the amount of food I pack. Or any other travel tips? On the very good news side I'll be able to pack lighter for this trip simply because I get to pack smaller clothes. Yeah!Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Some places call their "mineral water" bottled water and visa versa. That doesn't necessarily mean it's corbonated. As for protein. I would think that pork and beef would be at a premium in china, but depending on the city, I would think that fish would be available. Bean curb and tofu is typically high in protein. You may have to adjust your taste preferences though. How long will you be there? If it's just for a week or two, I wouldn't worry to much, but if it's longer I could see how you would be concerned. I think my major concern would be stomach upset and vomiting. Be sure and have your surgeon discuss taking some Cipro with you to use as a preventative for intestinal bacterial problems. I'd hate for you to get sick there.

Aubrie hit the nail on the head .....you might buy some protein POWDER to take with you as a "just in case" but there should be protein available, just not the things you think of. Fish is a regular menu item, as are duck and chicken. A boss of mine had to attend a banquet one time where the soup had bits of duck feet floating around in it but I'm pretty sure that's the exception rather than the rule. if you are going to be in major cities, there may even be some more "Western" foods available in tourist areas (i.e., another friend refused to eat Chinese food and found a restaurant that served "Iowa grain fed beef" and ate there every day, LOL). Bean curd and tofu are common even in Stateside Chinese restaurants and should be plentiful in China. Nobody I know who went to China came home ill, and nobody came home complaining that they didn't get enough food to eat. Be prepared to try new things! I heard a couple of people describe restaurants where you got a pail when you walked in -- through the fish market -- and you got to pick out exactly what would be cooked for you.

Thank you Aubrie and Cathy for your wonderful insight and suggestions. I'll be in China for 10 days. We'll be in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xian so it sounds like there will be plenty of Protein options. Before my surgery I would have said that I was a bit of a picky eater. I've tried a number of different foods since my surgery and am looking forward to expand my palate while on vacation.

Thanks again for all the great suggestions and advise.