Undergoing weight-loss surgery can be a life-changing experience, opening up new opportunities and avenues for exploration and adventures. However, travel planning after surgery requires much more planning and preparation to ensure the trip is hassle-free and enjoyable. Whether it’s for the weekend or an extended stay abroad, here are a few essential tips on traveling after weight loss surgery:
1. Consult Your Doctor and Pack Smart
Before making any travel plans, consult your healthcare provider. Based on the recovery curve, your physician can provide specific advice on how soon you can travel and may also advise on managing your nutritional intake, activity level, and medication regime during this trip.
Packing for a trip after weight loss surgery requires more thought. You’ll want to bring a few essential items to make your journey easier and ensure you stick to your post-surgery guidelines. Do not forget your prescription medications and any vitamins and supplements you may require daily.
Pack these in the original bottles and carry them on the plane if luggage is lost. Having protein bars, nuts, or other healthy, diet-friendly snacks is also wise. Since travel changes your routine from your usual meal times, you will be prevented from grabbing unhealthy snacks.
Additionally, remember to drink an adequate amount of water. Take an empty bottle of water you can refill to help you drink throughout your trip. Most public places and airports have water stations to refill your bottle. If you’re looking to begin your weight loss journey, look for certified surgical practices such as Elias Ortiz and Company, a team of experts who can help you through your surgery and provide personal care.
2. Manage Your Diet While Travelling
The hardest part of traveling after surgery is maintaining a healthy diet. It’s usual to experience cravings and temptation to try new foods and restaurants and have different meal times. Here are some tips on how to eat well on the road:
- Research restaurants ahead of time: Numerous popular places have healthy options, too. It is advisable to research different restaurants and see if they cater to your needs. Check if they have high-protein foods, fewer servings of carbs, and other essential dishes.
- Focus on portion control: After weight loss surgery, your stomach is smaller, so it’s essential to be mindful of portion sizes when eating out. Consider sharing meals with a travel companion or asking for a to-go box when your meal arrives to avoid overeating.
- Be prepared to have special requests: Be bold and ask them to modify your meal. Most restaurants are accommodating with such special requests, such as grilling food instead of frying, serving sauces on the side, or swapping vegetables for starches.
3. Stay Active During Your Trip
One of the advantages of weight loss surgery is that you generally have more energy and can walk better. Traveling would be a great chance to use that energy by staying on the move. Be it a new city, nature, or wherever you visit, always try to find ways to keep moving.
Many places offer walking tours, which are a great way to see things and keep moving. You can also check to see if your hotel has a gym or look for a nearby fitness center where you can exercise quickly. Depending on the destination, you can begin with hiking, swimming, or biking as pleasurable and healthy exercise.
It’s important to note that while being active is good, traveling can be exhausting, and a postoperative patient needs much rest, particularly following weight loss surgery. Try to sleep well, rest as you wish, and avoid straining too much in anything you do. Avoid strenuous exercise or sports for a time following surgery to allow your body to recover.
Endnote
Traveling is a rewarding experience and offers a good time since you tend to explore your environment more energetically than before you began weight loss. Plan and be prepared as an individual while guaranteeing that traveling goes smoothly and risk-free. Seek advice from a doctor and also pack up carefully, taking what’s needed while being active and getting adequate rest.
