Gastric Bypass and Backpacking

“Group,

I have been thinking of writing a freelance article on Gastric Bypass and any limitations or such on Backpacking.

I had it in January and so far it has been a very positive experience but I would like to get input from others.

My diet is a true limitation but many of the foods that pack well are ideal for Gastric bypass patients.

Any information would be great. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.


Yerby Ray
Freighttrain”

“My wife had it a couple years ago and she eats a lot of small meals on the trail like snack stuff. Luna Bars, jerky, nuts. She'll peck at my meals some and eats about the same thing as at home.”

“My concern is the total amount of Kcals you can consume at one time. I guess if you keep it to easy hikes your overall caloric need wouldn't be that high. Take it easy at first.”

“On the trail, could you say "gastric blue-blazing"? LOL, couldn't resist.

Interested to see comments posted on this topic (the thread topic, not my bad joke).”

“Man ya'll are fast off the hip in here”

““My concern is the total amount of Kcals you can consume at one time."

Because the stomach is the size of your thumb it clears about every 30-45 minutes. You can't take in as many calories at one time but you can eat every half hour to keep the calories up. Many small meals is the key.”

“Many small meals is the key, I agree, but must be foods that are readily absorbed into the system. High fat/fiber foods delay gastric emptying and could cause "dumping" syndrome if eating too soon. That would be very bad on the trail! The new "Power Gels" work very well, supply about 100 kcals at a time and are absorbed very quickly. Best of luck to ya.
last edited: 8/08/05 11:30:30 AM”

“Constant grazing is generally recommended for backpackers to keep energy levels up anyways. You just need to stick to this practice more than others, and intake more concentrated calorie sources is all.”

“Well I am at six months out and the type of surgery, Routen Y, initially had my stomach where it owuld hold about two ounces. Now, I hold about a half-cup. I only eat three meals a day during normal activities and intake about 600-800 calories. I feel if I went on a streneous trip I would need to go to the six small meals or let it draw off body fat stores.

What is critical is fluids. I am constantly having to sip on water, about 80 ounces a day doing normal activities. I bet on a hot BP trip it owuld go to 120 ounces easy.

My results have been good and it has been the best decision I have made regarding health issues.”

“What about using something like "Instant Breakfast"? It might be a good way to get in extra fluids, nutrition and calories. You could make up small batches as necessary on the trail.”

“Dang,

I hadn't thought about taking that with me...Thank you for the reminder.

Yeah I use the no Carb Instant Breakfast now with .5% milk and it is really good.

I have even tried it with just water; not very good but drinkable.

Thanks again.

There might be enough of an interest that I can write a article about it”

“You can get powdered whole milk in the Spanish section of grocery store in a can to mix with it.

My wife went through some real trouble once she had her weight off. The extra skin was as bad to her as the extra weight was and she still felt bad about her self image.”

“Nimblefoot has been using Instant Breakfast on his thru hike. I think he mixes up a batch of powdered milk first and then mixes that with the instant breakfast. With some testing, you could probably come up with the right ratio of powdered milk and instant breakfast so that you would not have to prepare the milk first.
last edited: 8/08/05 12:51:57 PM”

“I hope things worked out favorably, Nigal. My wife is moderately overweight. Not enough to require surgery after weight-loss, but enough that when she does get down (we are both about to begin) she wants to investigate. If you went that route, do you have suggestions?

I need to loose about 30, she needs to loose about 70 although the doctors say she should loose around 100. She lost 60 last time around (then got pregnant), so we know we can do it.”

““I hope things worked out favorably, Nigal. My wife is moderately overweight. Not enough to require surgery after weight-loss, but enough that when she does get down (we are both about to begin) she wants to investigate. If you went that route, do you have suggestions?"

Well, she did have an upper leg lift and a belt lift (they basically cut you all the way around your waist and take out a section of skin that tightens everything up). She still wants her boobs and arms done but she's just gotta wait. You can never do enough research into the surgeons in your area. Get references and testimonials and do checks on all your plastic surgeons. If the amount of extra skin is sufficient you may be able to get a doc to claim the surgery is medically necessary in which case insurance will pay for it.”

“Exactly the pointers I was looking for, thanks.”