Welcome to summertime. The sun is shining, the temperatures are rising and it’s vacation time. Many of us take week long vacations, some are fortunate and take two weeks or longer, some take extended weekends throughout the summer months. No matter how little or how much vacation time I get, the one thing I can count on is that my lap band will be with me wherever I go, whenever I go, even if it is just to the neighbor’s for a backyard barbecue.
Enjoy your summertime vacation!
After gaining a few pounds on a few trips and losing weight on others, I decided to take a good hard look at what worked for keeping my eating and drinking in check, whether at some exotic location, or my buddy’s back yard. I was not surprised to find out that the key element to working my lap band when I was not the one preparing the food was……..that’s right, planning. The planning is one of the keys to my personal achievements. For some of the other keys to optimizing my lap band success I have used the methods found at: http://www.bandedliving.com/public/Lap_Band_success__Results_Not_Typical.cfm
Here are some of my plans for success with my lap band while taking vacation:
- Even six years post op I never leave the house without a couple of bottles of water and some powdered protein that will mix easily in that water.
- If I am traveling by plane I have several servings of powdered protein with me, as well as some nuts (usually almonds in a measured container) and some fruit. I buy bottled water at the airport (even if it costs a fortune) since on the plane I am likely only to receive a small cup of water from the flight attendant. I also pack some lunch meat and measured portions of cheese if I am going to need a meal during travel. I NEVER count on being able to pick something g up on the way to……
- I pack protein bars, high protein cereal, nuts, and more powdered protein (I like Isoflex chocolate peanut butter – it mixes easily with water of any temperature) in my suitcase to be checked so that I have adequate supply when I reach my destination. I find myself frequently bringing most of this back home with me, but I have NO EXCUSE for making bad choices if I always have a “Plan B” choice.
- At my destination I never skip breakfast (this is something I never do anyway). I try to keep it to high protein, high fiber and within my normal range of calories. (For example an egg white omelet with spinach, tomatoes and mushrooms and salsa and/or 1T of sharp cheese on the side). This gives me what I need to start the day’s activities, whatever they may be.
- I carry bottled water, protein powder and a protein bar that will not melt (since I usually go to warm destinations) as I set out on my day trip. If the lunch choices are ones that are either difficult for me to eat, or more calories than I want to consume I have my back up meal with me.
- Dinner is my biggest weakness. All of those choices, all of those fancy drinks with umbrellas in them, all of those wonderful dessert options. What will I do? I order an entrée that is high protein and something I love (since I love fish of any sort this is quite easy – if I want meat I will order a petite filet, or a hamburger without the bun), try to have a high fiber vegetable, and allow my husband to order dessert so that I get to have one or two bites. When we disagree on dessert I have ordered my own, taken one or two bites and then either salted it or covered it with another plate so that I will not eat any more of it. Yes, it is wasting money, but it is maintaining my health and that is the important factor. Besides, my lap band is working by this time and, if I listen to my body, I am not hungry for the dessert; it just looks “good”.
- Now come drinks. Throughout the day, but never with my meals, I drink water and unsweetened ice tea with lots of lemon or lime, but come dinner time I want a cocktail when I am on vacation. Once again this is where planning comes in. Here are some numbers for all of us to ponder when making our choices: a 4 ounce glass of wine has 100 -125 calories, one ounce of vodka, bourbon, scotch or rum has about 60 calories so that 2 ounces with sparkling water is about 120 calories, a mojito has about 200 calories ( 6 – 8 ounce glass), a frozen daiquiri or a margarita can have well over 500 calories for the 10 -12 ounce glass that they are usually served in. I do give myself permission to have a drink before dinner, and perhaps one with dinner so my choice, more often than not, is a glass of wine or vodka and soda. When you know the facts you make your decisions with your eyes wide open.
- Exercise is something that is such an ingrained part of my daily life that vacations now include more of it than the one hour minimum I get daily at home. I may continue to swim every day, and add bicycling to the mix (it is a great way to see the countryside), or snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, and my all time favorite, shopping. The added exercise certainly can help burn any extra calories you take it. The exercise does not need to be formal- in a gym or for a prescribed period of time. Just get out, look around and enjoy!
No matter where you travel your lap band is always with you.
These are just a few of my tips for taking vacation without sabotaging myself on my journey to maintain long term success with my lap band. I would also like to point out that if I fall off the wagon a little when I travel for vacation, I no longer beat myself up. I remember that every day is a new one and I get a fresh start each day. When I come home I reboot myself to get things going in the right direction. You can read about it at: http://www.bandedliving.com/public/Life_With_My_Lap_Band__ReBooting_To_Get_Off_That_Plateau_Or_Reverse_That_Set_Back.cfm
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Sandi,
Thanks so much for this. This is 1 of my fears after I’m banded.
We travel a lot. I especially like cruising and when I’m on vaca I like to indulge a little have a steak or lobster and a night cap every night.
I love your advice and tips. Getting ready to print this out now.
Dee
Thanks for the great subject. We are going on 3 cruises soon and I think about what I am going to eat and take all the time.
I think with your hints and mine we will have some sucessfull trips. I don’t eat red meat so I am planning on fish or seafood every night. Usually their chicken is dry and I don’t like dry stuff. For the deserts I am working on a mental statement in my head to distract me from them.
Hi Sandi,
What a great article! And so timely! I too try to prepare and plan ahead when going on trips. However, after about 3 days I tend to “relax” and not think so much about my eating. After all, I don’t want to spend my vacation time “thinking” about my next meal. This just isn’t fun. However, the key to your article is to PLAN ahead of time. I love your advice about eating fish and sharing a bite or two of dessert with my husband. I am going on a cruise this fall and am already starting to stress about my eating. Now I will look up calories on the cocktails I enjoy, take my protein powder with me, try to stay with fish and chicken on the menus and try a new exercise each day. Then I will treat myself with a massage for keeping a healthy attitude. A win-win for me! Remember, the difference between an ordeal and an adventure is ATTITUDE…(and planning)