By: Gloria Samuels

Even four years after being lapbanded, the idea of going to an all inclusive beach resort makes me more than a little nervous - seven days and nights of unlimited food and drinks.  I had been looking forward to this trip all summer.  Sun, hot weather, crystal clear water, music, great company, and happy kids are my idea of a perfect vacation.

My only fear was navigating the open bars, the restaurants, and the buffet.  I painfully remember all the vacations that I didn't really enjoy because I hated the way I looked; I was embarrassed to be seen in a bathing suit.  Depending on where I was in my yo-yo dieting cycle, I'd either be starving myself, or eating and drinking everything in sight, and loathing myself for it!

I was reminded once again that it's all about my choices.  There are good choices for me and there are bad choices for me.  I know what they are.  I made good choices.  I also found myself people watching.  Some people can seemingly down 800 calorie drinks and plates of desserts without paying the consequences.  Others, like me, can't.  I am responsible for me and what my body needs.  My choices certainly weren't perfect yet I used my lap band on vacation and it worked! 

I had a great vacation.  I didn't feel pressure.  We had fun.  We laughed, we played, we swam, and we kicked back.  I am proud when I see my healthy, fit, active kids loving an active life.

When I came home from the trip, I weighed myself and much to my surprise I was actually down 2 pounds!  Now to be honest, I think that those 2 pounds are really a result of the work I did prior to vacation that didn't show up on the scale right away.  But still I didn't gain weight on vacation!  I had a great time even if I still haven't made peace with the loose skin on my thighs.

What I re-learned is that it's still all about choices and having a plan.  Here are some tips that worked for me on vacation:

• My band still restricts high quality solid foods even in a Caribbean paradise but...liquid calories - especially frozen drinks could easily be my downfall; water is the best choice at the pool bar.
• I kept up my physical activity - I used the gym, swam, joined in on the water aerobics, and had fun keeping up with my kids.
• At the buffet - I walked the buffet without a plate. I surveyed the choices and developed a plan for what to put on my plate. There were lots of good choices but I had to "just say no" to my trigger foods.
• I didn't deprive myself. I planned for some "treats" in tiny portions. After all, when I relax and allow myself to really savor my food, that first bite always tastes best. I allowed myself to try some of the treats I really wanted - one bite of my daughter's profiterole; a tiny scoop of ice cream. (These are not triggers for me; my triggers are starches, breads, pastas, chips etc.)
• I wasn't afraid to ask for what I didn't see on the menu - no plain salad at the seafood grill was easily resolved.
• I brought protein powder - I always had my plan "B."
• I had a great time and allowed myself to enjoy living in my body!
• Even if I had blown it, I would have gained a few pounds, but I wouldn't have returned home at 232 lbs; I still have my lap band and I know how to use it.

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