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WeightLossSurgeryCoach.com(formerly GastricByPassCoach.com) |
Information, inspiration, coaching and support for obese people wanting a longer, healthier life through Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) |
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Through Thick and Thin #24 (July 1, 2003) “My Cuban Adventure: How I Survived — and Thrived — Without ANY 'Real Food' ”My two week family adventure in Cuba (admitted on a humanitarian visa) and the Bahamas was fantastic and memorable for many reasons: the incredible clear and warm ocean waters, the colorful reefs, sport fishing expeditions, the driving and sensuous Salsa and Son music on every corner and promenade, the extraordinary and ancient (but crumbling) Spanish Colonial architecture in Old Havana, and the warmth and openness of the natives. One of the most amazing aspects of the trip for me was learning that I can survive, and thrive, without consuming virtually ANY local or “real” food. One of my greatest concerns had been having enough nourishment to fuel my body walking many miles each day in the extreme heat and humidity. I returned with lifetime memories, deep relaxation and restoration, and the confidence and certainty that I can sustain myself with virtually nothing to consume but my protein powder drinks, my multivitamins and my Juice Plus supplements.
Actually, I did much more than survive. Every time my family went to a restaurant for a meal, I walked another several miles through the vibrant streets of Old Havana, or along the Malecon, a magnificent promenade leading from our casa particulares (private apartment) to Old Town, or along the miles of quiet roadways connecting parts of Elbow Cay off Abaco Island. I became proficient at mixing cold bottled water with my protein powder and capsules, adding in a bit of sugar free jam for color and taste. I saved countless hours that my family spent in restaurants with very slow service; I saved hundreds of dollars on my food bill; I lost about 10 pounds during the two weeks; and I increased my daily minimum walking quotient from a few miles to several. What was the greatest gift for me, however, was the confidence I gained that I can survive any place, any situation, any challenge — domestic or foreign — without compromising my health. In fact, I'm proud that I did better than that: I gained immeasurable insights, opportunities and joys from walking instead of dining, and I have NEVER been in better shape from so much walking. There were many other “headlines and highlights” from my trip. They included: the incredulous first looks and enthusiastic cheering from my family members who haven't seen me in the eight months since my WLS; the satisfaction of fitting every plane, car and boat seat belt without the need for an extension belt; the joy of so comfortably fitting into my narrow little seat in every conveyance, even with my backpack and bag under my legs; the exhilaration of being able to scramble back into the boat after diving, and being able to haul myself out of a magnificent underwater cave where I skin dived; my newfound capacity to squeeze into and between spaces I could never have imagined several months ago; the thrill of being able to buy clothes in markets that actually fit me, including the comfortable fit of one of those “one size fits all” shirts that have frustrated and infuriated me all my life; the happiness I felt when not one person gave me “the look” or judgment usually reserved for obese people; even being able to climb onto a small plane without the flight attendant sizing up my heft and suggesting I sit in another seat to help “balance” the plane. What bountiful gifts come along with a 135 pound weight loss! I'm certainly hopeful that this week's endoscopy and stretching of my stoma will make it possible for me to consume and digest a much greater variety of food and flavors. I would be pleased to be able to join what seems like most of my WLS colleagues several months out from surgery in eating “normally”, just in smaller amounts, tiny pieces and with lots more chewing. And, at the same time, I'm very, very clear and sure that even if nothing ever changes, my Weight Loss Surgery is still one of the best choices I've ever made. It has become a Neverending Gift that showers me with surprising and delightful presents at every twist and turn. Now I'm looking forward to my promotional tour and college reunion next month in Great Britain with renewed excitement, solid confidence, and a yearning for more adventures... GlennClick here to read another newsletter.
Click here if you have a “fruit and vegetable problem” to see if my solution (see Through Thick and Thin #19) will work for you. |
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Copyright, © 2003, Glenn Goldberg. All rights reserved. |
Through Thick and Thin Newsletters
The food in Cuba was, according to my family members, overpriced and mediocre. I never even tried to find out for myself, because I've continued to experience problems with eating and digestion due to acid reflux-induced ulcers in my esophagus and stomach pouch, and/or the fact that my stoma (stomach opening) seems to be a bit too tight. I'll have an endoscopy later this week and hopefully, after stretching my stoma, the doctor will find that the ulcers have healed. But I brought abundant packets of my Real Meals protein drink (60 grams of protein, plus vitamins), a large container of multivitamins, and my Juice Plus capsules, which I empty into my protein shakes to provide me with the nutrition I'm not otherwise getting from fruits and vegetables. I'm so grateful that I brought all of this (although immigrations/customs officials in Cuba and the Bahamas raised a few eyebrows about this strange suitcase filled with strange things!). Without them, I don't know how I would have survived.
