Your weight loss journey doesn’t need to be the only trip you take this year. After undergoing weight loss surgery such as a gastric sleeve surgery in Canada, getting away for some R&R probably sounds quite attractive. And there’s no reason to postpone an enjoyable summer vacation if you follow a few guidelines to ensure you stay on track and maintain a healthy diet while travelling.
Even though vacations offer you the chance to explore new places and experiences, sticking as closely to your post-surgery routine as possible is a key to successfully maintaining your weight loss. This can be challenging while travelling, which is why you should create a plan before the trip.
Here are some tips to follow as you plan the vacation:
Keep Tracking Your Nutrition
Follow the same system you do at home for every meal. Don’t skip breakfast, make protein a priority, consume small portions intermittently, stay hydrated, and take your vitamins daily. Continue keeping a food journal to record everything you eat, which helps you stay accountable while travelling and identify deficiencies and surpluses in your diet.
Pack Some Healthy Snacks
You may not always have access to the food that fits your needs while travelling. Take protein bars, raw nuts, tuna packets, or other healthy, portable foods to avoid satisfying your hunger with high-calorie, low-nutrition foods. You may also want to bring along some small baggies which can be filled with durable items you may come across at buffet-style restaurants.
Build Time for Exercise Into Your Travel Plans
Remaining active during a trip is an essential part of post-weight loss surgery vacationing. Even before arriving at a destination, you’ll need to walk around every 45 minutes or so if you’re travelling by car or airplane to avoid the risk of blood clots.
If you’re booking hotels, make sure they have a workout room with a treadmill or stationary bike. If hotels aren’t part of your plans, try to find a gym that offers daily passes. Another option is to plan a vacation with built-in activity, such as camping or staying in a cabin surrounded by plenty of hiking trails or lakes where you can swim or kayak. One of the amazing benefits of bariatric surgery is that leading an active lifestyle is no longer uncomfortable.
In cities, whenever possible, avoid taking rideshare options and instead sightsee on foot. You can also find plenty of parks in urban areas that offer excellent walking opportunities.
Stay Positive
Enjoying a vacation doesn’t mean resorting to old eating and drinking habits because you’re on vacation. This is your vacation, yes, so have fun! Explore new places, try new things, meet new people, and learn about different cultures. Just remind yourself that being on vacation doesn’t mean taking a break from keeping yourself healthy.
Have Questions?
If you’ve already had weight loss surgery at SmartShape™ Weight Loss Centre, you can discuss your vacation plans with a nutritionist who is part of your 5-Year Aftercare Success Program. If you’re considering bariatric surgery in Canada and want to learn more about SmartShape and your options at our Toronto clinic, book a free virtual consultation with one of our weight loss surgeons to discuss your goals and how we can help you.