Have you ever thought of travelling after weight loss surgery? Travelling in and of itself is an exciting event. Travelling is indeed a dynamic way of not only getting the good laugh you deserve with your family and friends, but it is also a great way to explore the mystic beauty of this globe that never fails to astound us with the spectacular views it has to offer.
Travelling after weight loss surgery is easier now than before
Travelling after weight loss surgery is easier now than beforeWith technology progressing day by day, the tourism industry has gained a boost as travelling in the modern era is much easier than before. Primarily, this is because of all the advancements made in transportation like hybrid cars and aircrafts with high-tech features. One may also claim that travelling is now more of a part of our lives as we not only travel for fun, but even travel to attend business conferences, events or competitions, and to also attend to family matters.
Vacationing an option after travelling after weight loss surgery
However, it can be a major concern for many people especially those that have undergone weight loss surgery for the struggle of staying on track and eating healthy while on a trip is surely a real deal. This is because vacations plans often include lounging by the pool, enjoying exotic cocktails, and satisfying your appetite with extravagant meals and cuisines full of calories. Surely, this is not a good idea for the promotion of weight loss after surgery.
So, does this mean that patients that have undergone medical procedures like a duodenal switch, gastric sleeve, lap band, or a gastric bypass weight loss cannot travel? Absolutely not! There are just a handful of tips and strategies that you need to follow, and you will be good to go.
Tips for travelling after weight loss surgery
There’s no need to stop travelling and seeing the world just because you’ve had a surgery! Here’s how you can manage your travel plans, keeping in mind your diet. Below are the ultimate 13 tips that you need!
1. Make sure to keep details of what you consume
Writing down the foods you consume on a personal diary, or a booklet is surely a crucial thing to do. It helps you to critically analyze your eating habits and preferences. It can also be used to check out the nutrition you are consuming. For example, you can check the amount of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, etc. that you’ve had. Similarly, you can check what your diet lacks, and what is it that you consume heavily without ever noticing.
This habit is also beneficial if practiced as a daily routine work as it can ensure you take a healthy, balanced meal. Ultimately, you’ll get to enjoy numerous health benefits!
2. Stay highly active
Staying active while you are travelling is not only important to keep your health on track, but perhaps to enjoy and make the most of the trip as well! The idea here is to embrace your adventurous side and explore the region to its depths. Avoid taking the cabs, and bus tours. Instead, try to walk or maybe bike around the city with your loved ones. Not only will this make you stay active, but you’ll also be able to take in the essence of the city you are in!
Live every moment to the fullest. Roam around their markets and interact with people to develop an understanding of their culture. If you’re in a mountainous area, make sure to go out for a hike. Run along the waves on the beach, and swim till dusk. Try all sorts of amazing adventures, and see the bright side that lies beyond fear; scuba dive, climb those rocks, and sail boats if possible. With all these activities, not only will you be burning your calories, but you’ll be making memories that you shall sing songs of forever!
3. Exercise is essential
Before booking your hotels, make sure to look up all the facilities provided to visitors. Modern-day hotels offer a vast variety of amenities from gym fully-equipped with treadmills and stationary bikes to areas designated for yoga and aerobics. Make sure to book a hotel that offers you at least one of these facilities.
However, if your budget does not permit you to book one, there is nothing to worry about. You can simply go out running along the tracks of parks, or even do simple 5-minute exercises in your room!
4. Always keep two bottles of water with you
Staying hydrated is very important. During all your trips, make sure to always have at least one or preferably two bottles of water with you, especially during hot summers. Your goal is to drink about 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day. It is also advised that you take water with you to the airport instead of just taking it along with you when you go out for sightseeing. When you go through the customs lines, you may take an empty bottle with you and fill it, later on, to take it on the plane, or purchase it from the cafeteria at the airport. Try getting a glass of water every hour or two when travelling after weight loss surgery.
5. Try refraining from fancy drinks
Unfortunately, after a weight loss surgery, you can’t enjoy fancy drinks such as exotic cocktails or alcoholic beverages. However, that is not really unfortunate, is it? After all, it is for your own benefit in the long run!
As alternatives, you can go for fresh juices such as lemonades and mint margaritas and much more. Not only are they good, but they will surely leave you longing for more. Make sure to reduce your intake, however, especially when you're travelling after weight loss surgery.
6. Make sure to put in your post-operation supplements in your carry-ons
The supplements prescribed to you are crucial for your body after the surgery as they serve your body with the additional nutrients that it needs. Just like you would not think of missing out on the medicines prescribed to you, these daily supplements are to be taken daily as well. Thus, make sure to put these supplements in your backpack or handbag that you will be carrying with you everywhere. It is important to note that your supplements should be taken on time, and in the exact amount as recommended by your doctor.
7. Pack up healthy food and snacks for emergencies
It is strongly advised that you always have something in your bag to eat. You may take a fruit or two with you, pack up some dry fruits or nuts, and even some vegetables that can be eaten raw when needed. As for snacks, this does not mean that you pack a bag of junk; snacks of high protein and low carb varieties. You should only have low-carb, healthy varieties of snacks.
This is important because while travelling, you may come across restaurants, stalls, or cafe offering meals that you should not be eating as they are harmful to you. Thus, you must have something at your disposal because starving is not good for you either.
8. Look out for the nutritional values before trying out new products
During your vacation, if you decide to hit the mart for some food, make sure to check out the nutritional value chart on the package before buying anything. This way, you can ensure it is healthy for you. As long as it is healthy, i.e., does not contain too many calories, and is rich in protein, etc. you may consume it.
In fact, it is best to make this routine a habit as it shall help you cut down on calories that were being consumed by you normally, and always went by unnoticed.
Another important tip is that instead of buying packed foods, it is advised to buy fresh vegetables and fruits for consumption on a daily basis.
9. Never skip your breakfast if you're travelling after weight loss surgery
It is common to have your routine disrupted when you go to a new place. Often, you’re not up for breakfast, or you just want to leave your room to explore as much of the place as possible. Similarly, people tend to miss out on their meals, or do not have them at the right time as they are too busy with exploring the new place. However, you should not miss out on your breakfast at any cost. This is a very unhealthy habit. Your breakfast serves as a fuel for you through the day.
Travelling after weight loss surgery means you have to work harder to eat nutritious foods
Thus, in order to make sure of this, you may prepare a ‘grab and have’ breakfast at night or get up early accordingly to eat something. By doing this, you can save your time, money, and even a few minutes of your sleep while travelling after weight loss surgery. Most importantly, you can save your health from deteriorating. You may also simply eat a fruit or a vegetable if there is no restaurant near your residential area.
If your hotel has a built-in cafeteria service, or if there’s a restaurant near your hotel, you may have your breakfast there. However, you must be a little careful when ordering there. It is preferred that you take lean proteins and whole grains. High protein bars low in sugars may also be taken.
10. Constantly stay in contact with your healthcare provider
Keeping in touch with your healthcare provider can help you avoid a large number of inconveniences. Since they are fully aware of your condition, and the kind of weight loss surgery that you had, they are the best to seek advice from. You may even ask them about what types of food you require more, and what is not healthy for you in detail. Updating them about your current condition also helps them regulate your dose of medicines and supplements. Thus, contacting your healthcare provider for certain queries that you have, or about any inconvenience that you face once in a week is surely beneficial for you.
11. Follow a timely schedule for meals
Having meals on specified timings daily while on a trip is surely a very hard task. However, as hard as it is, it surely results in some great benefits, especially when travelling after weight loss surgery. Taking timely meals help improve your system of digestion, and the rate of metabolic reactions. It gives a boost to your metabolic system, and your body clock starts working more systematically. To follow this, you may plan your outings accordingly or pack up some food with you and have your meal as soon as it is time.
12. Refrain from extravagant buffets
With new things around to taste, while travelling after weight loss surgery, it is often hard to put your cravings at a stop. Therefore, it is advised that you always take a small plate; and try filling it up with salads or cuisines of vegetables. There are also fruit desserts that are as delicious as the unhealthy ones, and it’s best if you eat those.
13. Enjoy the trip and do not worry too much!
Lastly, enjoy your trip to the fullest while travelling after weight loss surgery. Make sure to make long-lasting memories, and not worry about it all too much. By doing so, you may become anxious about everything, and mess up things for yourself. Have faith that you can do this, and follow the tips! Thus, make sure to make long-lasting memories that you can cherish for years to come. Worrying and working too much on this shall make you feel anxious and you may panic, messing things up for yourself.
Plus, if you spend your time only worrying, your travel would be nothing but merely a waste of money. Do not forget, the primary motive of travelling is to explore beyond yourself, and get a break from the hustle of life! Travelling after weight loss surgery is encouraged. Enjoy your new body and the hard work that you're putting in to maintain your health!
Conclusion
The thirteen tips mentioned above instill a sense of responsibility within you. It makes you exhibit strong commitment towards the maintenance of your health and makes one feel accountable for whatever they do. It also helps one function at their best as people who eat healthily and cut out on the harmful and toxic foods from their diet have fresh minds. They tend to perform better physically and emotionally.
People who have never undergone weight loss surgery can also benefit greatly from these tips. It does no harm, and the major benefit it has is that these tips, above all, make one eat healthily! If you're considering weight loss surgery or have questions pertaining to travelling after weight loss surgery, contact us at Weight Loss Riga! We're happy to answer your questions! Call or submit a contact form to us at Weight Loss Riga. We're happy to help you understand whether you qualify for bariatric surgery!
