Holidays are one of the things people worry about surprisingly early in their post-op journey. Will I be able to eat anything? What about buffets? What if the food is too rich or the portions are enormous? What if I get sick from eating the wrong thing?
We’ve been on holiday post-surgery, and while it requires a bit more thought than it used to, it’s absolutely manageable — and honestly, food abroad has been one of the more enjoyable parts of travelling with a sleeve.
Research Helps, But Don’t Overthink It
Having a rough sense of what food options will be available at your destination takes the edge off the uncertainty. Mediterranean food, for example, tends to work really well post-op — fish, grilled meats, vegetables, light sauces. Asian cuisines often offer soft, protein-rich options like soups and fish dishes.
Ultra all-inclusive resorts with heavy buffet culture can be trickier — not because you can’t eat there, but because the abundance makes it easy to make impulsive choices that don’t sit well. Being intentional about what you pick up rather than filling a plate out of habit makes a significant difference.
Buffets
Buffets are the specific scenario most people flag, and for good reason. The variety is overwhelming, the social atmosphere encourages multiple trips, and the visual abundance can make it hard to make calm, considered choices.
Our approach: one small plate, chosen deliberately before you start eating. Protein first. Eat slowly. Stop when comfortable. Don’t go back for more just because it’s there.
When Things Don’t Go to Plan
Occasionally you’ll eat something that doesn’t agree with your sleeve — a sauce that’s richer than it looked, a portion that was harder to judge than usual. It’s uncomfortable, it passes, and it’s not a catastrophe.
Holidays are for enjoying. A bit of flexibility is fine. The foundations of how you eat — slow, protein first, small amounts — travel with you wherever you go.
Disclaimer: This post is based on our personal experience and is intended for general information only. It should not be taken as medical advice. Every journey is different, and it’s important to speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your own circumstances before making any medical decisions.