Hey everyone,

I'm pretty new to WW, as I mentioned in a previous post. Thus far, it's worked out well for me... however I now have the news that my 78 yr old Grandmother is having open heart surgery to replace her leaking valves with pig valves. This means that I have to drive 15 hrs back "home" to be there for the surgery, in addition to tons of stressful stuff going on, and I just found out that I'm not going to be able to bring my work with me so now I have 2 and 1/2 weeks without pay (I'm staying long enough to help care for her after she gets released from ICU and sent home) so some new money related stresses.

Not to whine or anything! The gist is I'm feeling overwhelmed, and I noticed than when faced with something I know I shouldn't have (my family received a huge box of brownies from a family member recently, etc), I automatically think "go ahead, you can straighten out when things get better." But it's always one thing after another in life, so I don't want to take that attitude with this program. I'm tired of caving and screwing up, then having to backtrack and repair damage I did.

I guess what I should do it just suck it up and make myself make wiser choices, and be responsible for my actions. Just sometimes easier said then done... Do you guys have any general travel tips for staying on track? Anything that may have gotten you through some tough times?

p.s. Sorry, I'm super jittery right now... hardly zero sleep for 2 nights in a row.

Hi Renee,
I'm sorry to hear your grandmother needs surgery. You're a wonder grand-daughter to go be with her.

I've found that packing a cooler when I travel is very helpful. Go to the grocery store and get fruits and vegetables, some low-fat cheese, yogurt, etc to take with you. Cut up/prep your fruits and veges so they are ready to munch as you drive. You can also hard-boil some eggs and peel them, then put them in a sandwich bag.

I hope the surgery goes well. Take care

I know exactly how you feel, in October I took a week off to help out my dad and mom when he had a quadruple bypass -- what saved me was actually the absence of food at the ICU!! Also, the hospital cafeteria had nice low fat options, fruits, etc. and a salad bar. You will need to take breaks -- so take a ride to a grocery store and as Ashley said -- stock up on good foods and bottled water. To be honest, I was too worried about dad to overeat, and was busy making sure he had everything he needed and that my mom was okay -- if that's any comfort. I hope everything goes well with your grandmother and I know she will appreciate the comfort and support you are providing. We had financial issues as well, my husband took the week off without pay to stay with my two boys. Overeating will not make any of the problems any less stressful and will only give you yet another thing to worry about. Take care.

First of all (((HUGS))) I know what you mean about stress with the family. My DMIL was just diagnosied with lung cancer and is going through Chemo and we are traveling to see her.

I am lucky in the fact I have much vacation time so I can afford to go.

Now to your problems.......Let me tell you that if you keep one aspect of your life in check (your eating) sometimes the other problems seem to fall in line.

Have you talked to people at all your bills if you can defer a month on payments...some of the see if you can suspend the accounts like cable and such. Just a thought.

As for travel eating I try not to eat when we are driving but Ashley's idea is fantastic. Also try to take one meal where you can sit down and relax at a seat and eat (even if it is just fast food place). You need to get out of the car...

My final suggestion is to take 30 or 45 minutes a day to yourself.......take a brisk walk and/or meditate.

Renee, I pray that everything goes well for your Grandmother. You're already thinking ahead with handling the food situation and I'm sure you'll do just fine.

Denise