With my December 15 surgery date just days off I begin to conjure up questions that maybe experienced bandsters can answer. I am going to be doing some foreign travel in the middle of next year to places in Latin America. I know I am in control of the diet regimen here. However, what things or hints to I need to think about when travelling in other countries? Bottled water is a given as well as recognizing protein foods such as fish and chicken. What other challenges will I face? A concern is that rice is a staple in many Latin American countries and I am told this is a no-no. Also what advice can any experienced bandster travelers provide about follow up care should I need it in another country? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

It will all depend on how restricted you make your band. Rice doesn't need to be an issue. It's all in your hands. :thumbup:

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The biggest problem I have had when traveling is that I tend to back off on Water consumption so that I don't have to pee as often. This is not good! If you don't stay adequately hydrated your band will feel tighter and tend to cause you some issues with being able to eat.

Eating rice is usually not a problem unless you keep your band really tight. If you eat very, very slowly you should be okay.

It is my experience that unless you are dealing with personnel in the medical field who are directly involved with a Bariatric Surgeon, or they personally know someboday with a band, they no little to nothing about the lapband. Just my opinion!!!

Hey guys, i got banded back in late october (here in australia) and 3 weeks later i was on a work trip to china for 10 days. Rice was given to us for every meal and i had no problems with it. as long as you eat slowly and avoid drinking you will be fine :thumbup: happy travelling !

I traveled to Paris & London 1 week after my 1st fill and I felt very little restriction however I was not able to stuff myself as I would have done before the Lapband.

I suggest you buy some protien bullets to pack in your suitcase so that you can ensure you get your daily recomended amount of it. It does help you lose weight faster. Other than that, it is up to you how you eat regardless of what's available...

What is a protein bullet? I have some ready mixed drinks but what you refer sounds convenient.

What countries in Latin America are you visiting? I spent 5 mos last year in South America and lost 30 lbs. This is before I was banded.

We walked a ton each day and I have this rule when I travel to never eat food that is covered up and I can't smell. I never eat sauces, gravy or deep fried if I can help it. On the coast I ate lots of fish and in the cities I ate lots of chicken and beef. Well I also ate Llama, Alpaca, and Guiniue Pig - but that was just to try it.

side dishes included french fries most of the time which I thought was weird and never any good so no problem not eating them. I drank lots of fruit juice - just amazing and quite a bit of cooked vegetables (didn't trust the fresh ones). I also ate quite a bit of Soups.

Now that I am banded I really don't think I would have a hard time going back to latin American countries. I am heading to Honduras next May and I'm not worried about it all.

If you don't speak spanish at least have a spanish/english translation book with you so you can choose wisely from the menu.

What is a Protein bullet? I have some ready mixed drinks but what you refer sounds convenient.

They are pre-mixed protien drinks 3-3.5 ounces each.

You can buy them in a case @ costco or singles @ health supply stores or online.

They are portable & you can pinch your nose and swallow them in 60 seconds.

They are the consitency of un set Jello but are very strong in flovor like cough syrup.

You can buy then in incriments of 24 or 50 grams of protien each.

That were the best thing I brought with me. When you travel the last thing you want to concern yourself with is counting grams...

Trust me on this one, get some!

Bon voyage...

They are pre-mixed protien drinks 3-3.5 ounces each.

You can buy them in a case @ Costco or singles @ health supply stores or online.

They are portable & you can pinch your nose and swallow them in 60 seconds.

They are the consitency of un set jello but are very strong in flovor like cough syrup.

You can buy then in incriments of 24 or 50 grams of protien each.

That were the best thing I brought with me. When you travel the last thing you want to concern yourself with is counting grams...

Trust me on this one, get some!

Bon voyage...

I am not sure what Latin American countries but it will be missionary work. I am currently studying Spanish at an intermediate level and would like to go to an immersion style school for about 6 weeks next year. Thanks for the great information.

Hi,

Does anyone know if you can buy the protein bullets in ireland?

bring Protein powder - I always used it for Breakfast.

Do not eat on the plane - you may be tighter than usual. Or if you do have a couple of glasses of wine first (seriously). Try and have 'easy' foods on the plain - mushy. The altitude or air pressure (whatever) causes tightness. I did not experience it but I did have a couple glasses of wine which totally does loosen me up.

Also ask you doctor for an emergency contact....lap dr just in case.

They are pre-mixed protien drinks 3-3.5 ounces each.

You can buy them in a case @ Costco or singles @ health supply stores or online.

They are portable & you can pinch your nose and swallow them in 60 seconds.

They are the consitency of un set jello but are very strong in flovor like cough syrup.

You can buy then in incriments of 24 or 50 grams of protien each.

That were the best thing I brought with me. When you travel the last thing you want to concern yourself with is counting grams...

Trust me on this one, get some!

Bon voyage...

How does one air travel with liquid protein drinks? When I tried to take an 8 oz can of apple juice in my carry bag it was taken from me.

How does one air travel with liquid Protein drinks? When I tried to take an 8 oz can of apple juice in my carry bag it was taken from me.

I'm gonna guess that you could pack them in your checked baggage...

My Question is, where can you buy just one or two. I'd like to try them before investing in a case... I see all kinds of things like in 7-11 and gas stations etc but never sure what they are..