A little nervous about being away for the weekend...

This weekend, we're planning a family shopping trip.  We typically go to Grove City Outlets on Saturday, spend the night in a hotel and finish up shopping on Sunday.  I'm nervous though, this is the first time I'll be away from home since I've had my surgery.  I'm 5 weeks out, and I'm almost through the diet progression.  I know I'll have to go out to eat somewhere, so I'm curious...how did all of you handle being away from home for the first time?  Did you pack food?  Did you eat at a restaurant?  I'm probably waaay overthinking this, but I'm just nervous.  Home is my "safe zone".  I have my food that I know I can eat, protein shakes, etc..that I KNOW I can tolerate.  I am just concerned that I'm going to eat the wrong thing or something.  Any calming words of advice?

I travel a lot - I spent week 6 out of the country.  Right now I am in the mountains wi my family.  I think you have thought about the right things.  I bring some things that I know a good for me and will help me reach my protein goals.  But I also do my dinner and lunch with them and order a protein and some veg.  Make sure to push the food away after you have your portion - I find it much easier to eat to much with restaurant portions in front of me.  

But mostly focus on fun with your family.  It will be nice to be so much less focused on the food.

I think you are wise to be cautious and plan ahead.  You might want to pack some string cheese or other high protein foods so you always have something healthy if you go too long between meals.  I can always find something suitable at a restaurant.  Often they will have shrimp or scallop appetizers that are just the right size for my small appetite.  Sometimes I'll get a salad with grilled chicken, and eat part and take the rest home with me.  If you have a chance to check the menu on the internet before you go, you can choose a restaurant that will work best for you.

If you plan ahead you'll do fine!  Enjoy your shopping weekend.  It sounds like fun.

Carol

A cup of soup is always a good option, too...

I'm going to NYC for a few days during my fifth week and it's sort of a hassle!  I'll be in the soft food stage then, so the only thing I feel confident that I'll be able to eat out is fish.  I'll be taking RTD shakes and probably some packets of tuna since they're shelf stable.  And selecting restaurants that serve tasty fish.  :)

Good luck!

Plan for your fluids too. I still have my to go bag with high protein foods and drinks 

I don't have advice because I'm even fresher than you ;) but I wanted to say LUCKY!!! And enjoy your trip!!!! Shopping trips! FUN!

I was at the Grove City Outlets this summer....lots of fun!!  I'm still preop so I don't have any advice for you but it seems like packing a small cooler or insulted lunch bag with some of your favorite foods that you know you can tolerate well.  Maybe ask for a to-go box to be delivered with your meal so you can pack up what you won't be eating right away.  Out of sight, out of mind! 

Enjoy the time with your family!

Lots of great advice on here! For me, it was important to keep my carbs up in the 30-40g range when I went shopping. It really helped my energy level at a few weeks post op.

Before being on solids, when I was in a restaurant, I would have soup. Applebee's chicken tortilla soup minus the tortilla chips was really good, if a tad spicy. Make sure you bring your PPI!

Okay, maybe I'm missing it.. but what is PPI??  Also, I was thinking about this... my nutritionist doesn't want me to worry about carbs, also being a former diabetic, I'm worried about them, but now I'm also kind of worried I'm not getting enough!  Do you feel that getting in MORE carbs helped with your energy more than protein?  That's definitely something to think about because if I'm gonna be shopping all day, I'm going to need some energy!  So, what would you suggest to get in some carbs that are healthy, since I can't have fresh fruits yet.  I feel like I've eliminated a whole food group from my diet and I'm not sure how to add it back in the healthy way..not with chips :)