Warning:
This post talks about going OP. If you don't want to read about that, I totally understand if you don't read it!

I have not been on a vacation in 4 years. I was going to wait until I came back from my vacation to start IP, but my supervising physician encouraged me to start and just take that week off. I have lost 13 lbs. so far and hoping for a good result this week- my goal was to lose 15 before my cruise.

I already know I can avoid alcohol (I would much rather EAT my calories!) and I packed my exercise clothes and am always very good about exercising on vacation. The thing I know I am NOT going to avoid are carbs (breads, pastas, pizza) and some sugars (desserts). I am in a little bit of a panic worried about going OP and not gaining a crazy amount of weight.

Should I only eat carbs at a certain time of day? I will do my best to have big salads and fill up that way and just sample things- not make meals of them, but is there anything else I can do?
Thanks in advance.

I think you'll be fine. I phased off to go on vacation and gained 4 pounds in 10 days but am confident it will come off quickly. ( I just got back) I know people on IP get obsessive about not stopping the program because it works so well but going on vacation is important too and part of the learning process. I tried to eat a big breakfast and lean and green when possible. If you have carbs, try to not have them at every meal and when you have carbs, try to not have fat at the same meal.

Do a search for my vacation thread. I will try to bump it for you so you can read about my experience. However, long story short, don't worry. As long as you know that you will get right back on track as soon as you get home! Don't extend "vacation eating" for even 1 day. If you get back on Sunday, start right away on Monday (etc...).

The only thing I didn't see you mention was if you are phasing off or not, which is what I did.

First enjoy your cruise; vacation is also very important. I'm sure it will all work out in whatever you decide to do. I'm also going on a cruise, but not till late Feb., so hopefully I will be a lot closer to goal by then. I will talk to my coach on how best to handle everything, but at this point I'm thinking I will just do a low carb diet for a week such as Atkins which is not as restrictive. I know if I start to introduce carbs back into my diet before I'm at goal, I will just have a very hard time getting back on plan.

This is EXACTLY the kind of info I was hoping for. Thank you!

Unfortunately I didn't find out about phasing off until it was too late to do so. My physician never mentioned it.

I will read your post Jennydoodle, thank you!

Also, I get back on a Saturday and plan to get right back on the horse as soon as my feet touch dry land. I purposely made an appointment to weigh in on Monday, I need to pay the piper so to speak, and if I weigh in on Monday that will be all the reality check I need.

Went on a cruise last year while Phase 1 - I packed some chocolate drink mix, and some restricted bars. There is such a variety of foods on board, it can be easy to make good choices or really bad ones. Just use your good judgement! I must admit, I did have some carbs while on my cruise, but not every day nor every meal! If you are going on any excursions, make sure you pack a restricted bar - that was when the worst choices for food came about. If they provide a meal, it's usually a sandwich and chips - just be prepared! Most importantly - have fun!