Invest in Your Health, Take a Vacation

When recovering from bariatric surgery, it is important to make sure your mind and body stay stress free—with summer around the corner it’s important to understand the value of a vacation to reducing stress and maintaining a positive mental attitude, so you can continue to keep up with weight loss goals. Keeping stress to a minimum after your weight loss surgery can help boost your immune system, lower your blood pressure and even help you live longer.

Once you have fully recovered from your surgery, take some time to reward yourself with a little rest and relaxation—here are some suggestions to planning a vacation that can accommodate your new lifestyle changes after bariatric surgery.

• Have back up – When planning your trip, make sure you keep in mind your destination’s accessibility to the food items your new post-surgery diet requires. If you aren’t sure, always bring some back up—pack plenty of extra water, protein snacks and shakes to bring along with you for your vacation.
• Educate yourself – When you’re on vacation you tend to do a lot more eating out than staying in for meals. If this is the case, when you’re eating out don’t be afraid to ask your server about healthier choices or preparations that may not be listed on the menu. If they don’t have additional options, pick a dish you like and opt to not have it seasoned or garnished with any additional sauces or unhealthy sides.
• Use your resources – Many hotel and resort rooms are equipped with in-room refrigerators but if you find your room isn’t upon arrival, don’t hesitate to call the front desk to see if you can switch to a room that does have one. Take advantage of this resource and keep your fresh fruits, healthy snacks and protein shakes cool. Remember to use the complimentary ice-machines when packing coolers for the beach or a day away from the hotel.
• Keep up with workouts – You don’t have to hit the pause button on your workout routine because you’re going on vacation. Instead, keep up with your weight loss goals and try to find accommodations with indoor gym amenities. Use the all of the gym amenities to your advantage, following your workout hit the sauna or steam room for a little extra stress reduction and relaxation.

When trying to maintain long term weight loss after your surgery, it’s important to reward your mind and body with a little vacation time for extra stress reduction. Keeping stress to a minimum is a vital aspect of your weight loss journey. A stress-free mind and body are the best tools for maintaining a healthy grip on long term weight loss. Just remember to use these tips when planning your vacation!