How to travel when all I can eat is smoothies

Larry449

It’s been four years, as of four days ago, that I had my last radiation session for BOT Cancer. I still have problems eating solid foods and even some foods not so solid but grainy textured. It’s not that I can’t swallow, it’s more like dry foods stick to the back of my throat, my gums and teeth, sometimes to the point of almost choking. I can eat some soups and soft beans, etc. but my main nutrition still comes from the smoothies I make every day. It’s ok if I keep living day to day like I am, but spending most of my time sitting at home watching TV is starting (well, it started several years ago) to make my wife and me crazy ( we have not been anywhere for more than a day since my diagnosis 4 years ago) There are other things that keep us grounded, doctor appointments and procedures for both of us that we might be able to schedule around but if we want to go anywhere for more than a day (a weekend would be great for a start) BUT IT ALWAYS COMES DOWN TO WHAT THE HELL AM I GONING TO EAT!? I need the calories from my smoothies to keep my weight up, kinda hard to take ‘em with me. The cancer is gone but the after effects … damn them! Any suggestions??

Logan51

Ensure provides a lot of the nutrients your body needs, as does Boost. Problem is the lack of fiber in them. Cannot help with that, as I depend on Jevity to remedy.

I've been Feeding Tube-dependent since August of 2019, so travelling more than 4-5 hours from home is not an easy option. But, that's life. The C had only one thing in mind for me, which was death, so come what may and I deal with this new life as best I can.

Larry449

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724402#Comment_1724402

You’re correct in that it’s better than the alternative as I am ok from day to day living. Thankful for that! I managed to ween off the feeding tube after six months. I ate a lot of not-so-healthy foods to do that until I got a healthy smoothie recipe from a registered dietician nutritionist. After that I used very high calorie Boost to supplement the calories. Then another smoothie I found in this forum and supplemented with Boost Plus… The problem with Boost VHC or Plus is that if I use them for more than a few days they make me sick to my stomach. So once I got my weight up I started using certain soups, maybe some Amy’s Chili that I can get down if I don’t go too fast.. but not enough calories to sustain my weight. But, I’d almost forgotten about Boost , so if it really got down to necessity (I’m in Florida, so hurricane evacuation?) I could throw a case of boost into a cooler and run with it. I just wouldn’t want to make a steady diet of it. Thanx!

tom1953

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724406#Comment_1724406

You can also consider using a Yeti type mug or thermos to transport the smoothies.

SASH

It probably depends where you are traveling. If possible can you bring your blender/magic bullet to make your smoothies when you travel. They do make small rechargeable blenders and then you could either bring or purchase the ingredients for your smoothies while on the road. I've traveled many times when I had issues swallowing, I would stop and pick up boost/ensure at my destination to supplement when I couldn't find other options. Now I'm back on a tube and travel with my tube feeds where ever I go when traveling.

Larry449

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724583#Comment_1724583

Thanx for the suggestion. I looked all over for a 12 volt blender that I could run from the cars “cigarette lighter” port. Even called a large camping supply outlet a few miles down the road. Nope! Never even thought of rechargeable blenders. Gives me a whole new option. I also commend you on living with the tube. I had a lot of problems with mine. The balloon popped on the first one 10 days after it went in, and almost came out. Nine hours in the ER (Incoming COVID patients taking precedence over walk ins) to get a new one, which I thought did the same thing but looked ok once they took it out. The 3rd one had a thing that looked like an umbrella instead of a ballon to keep it in, leaked like a sieve. That one was replaced with what they called a “J tube” with one tube going straight down to the intestine (?). All within four weeks! That one stayed in for 6 months until I was able to ween myself off and toward the end also leaked around the stoma. I have scars from the stomach acid. I don’t think I could handle that again. I admire you for powering thru this. Thanks again for the rechargeable suggestion.

wbcgaruss

Yes, SASH, thanks for the info.

It is amazing what is available nowadays.

Here are a coupla things I found…

Hotfoodoven.com did a nice article covering portable rechargeable Blenders…

Best 12 volt blender & More, Large article…

July 15, 2025 by Farjana

https://hotfoodoven.com/best-12-volt-blender/

Also, this on Magic Bullet…

https://www.amazon.com/magic-bullet-Portable-Blender-MBPB50100/dp/B0CFSD8DHF?th=1

Wishing You The Best

Take Care, God Bless

Russ

SASH

If you require a unit that plugs into the car cigarette lighter, which I haven't seen as of yet, they do make car power inverters. This will convert the car cigarette lighter into a standard plug either with or without USB ports.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=12+volt+car+outlet+converter