It can be easy to fall into the trap of becoming over worked and chronically stressed, but this is not good for your health. As you wake up every morning and repeat the same routine over and over again your mind may begin to fall into a rut. The beeping of the alarm, horns honking in traffic, the sound of construction trucks restructuring the office building next to yours—the bombardment of sounds alone can be toxic, let alone the stress of responsibilities and social pressures.
Too many people have an ill-conceived “work ‘till I die” mentality that is potentially damaging to their health. After weight loss surgery, it is important to carve time out of your schedule to focus on your health. It just may be that taking a vacation is a missing step in your weight loss plan.
Chances are, when you are caught in a stressful situation one of the first things that you tell yourself to do is to step away and take a deep breath. Picture your lifestyle on a larger scale. The repetitive actions, the repeated stressors and the lack of sleep all add up to one stressful situation. Taking a vacation is the equivalent to one big deep breath, but not all vacations are equal. It is important to plan a vacation that is right for you.
Here are a few tips for de-stressing and taking a time-out with a relaxing vacation.
- Set a budget. If you try to plan a vacation that you cannot afford, then it may become even more stressful than just staying home. Vacations can be taken on any budget level, you just need to find one that is right for you.
- Find silence. If not for your entire vacation, spend at least a day or so of your time off somewhere that you can enjoy silence. Our worlds become too filled with noise. While amusement parks are fun, it is better to take the time to rejuvenate your mind by giving it a little bit of peace and quiet.
- Keep it small. It can be very tempting to invite your family to vacation with you, especially as they drop hints about how fun your trip sounds. However, the more people you invite the less of a vacation it really is. If your in-laws stress you out, then you do not want them on a cruise ship with you.
After bariatric surgery, your diet restrictions can make traveling a bit difficult. Don’t become trapped in a bad situation where you have nothing to eat or no way to move around.
Set yourself up for success as you travel after weight loss surgery by keeping these simple tips in mind:
- Chances are you will be able to get a bottle of water wherever you go, but getting the right amount of protein can be a challenge. Bring powdered protein along with you in your carryon, especially for long flights.
- Call ahead to resorts or cruise ships where you plan on staying and ask what type of dining options are available. Let them know what you will be in need of and ask if there is any way that they can accommodate you.
- When going on vacation following bariatric surgery timing is everything. Check in with your weight loss surgeon to ensure that your gastric band has the proper fill and you are safe to travel away from the office. Planning a vacation immediately following your operation is not a good idea; make sure to wait until everything calms down before jetting away!
- Though you may be ambitious, be realistic when planning your outings. If you are not yet able to walk more than a few miles, then planning a walking tour of a city may not be your best bet yet. Plan activities ahead of time that you know you are up to. Aim for spending at least thirty minutes every day walking or exercising in some fashion so that you can stay on track with your weight loss goals as you are traveling.
Taking a vacation after bariatric surgery is a great way to spend time with your loved ones and de-stress. Follow these friendly precautions to really get the most out of your vacation experience!
