Hello!

I'm only 3weeks out myself, and I have yet to go out to dinner. Most of my friends have been very supportive however, offering to go places were I can get soup :-)

I've personally decided that I need to work on my relationship with food before I can go socialize with others and it. Work is bad enough!

Have you considered doing activities where food is not the main focus? Go hang at the beach, park, visit a museum, take a class? A lot of cities and towns offer free or low cost events through their rec department.

I have not gone out to eat yet this year as I began starting the small meals 5-6 times/day and getting in the mindset for my sleeve that was done 2/5/14. I know this is a total food lifestyle change for me and am trying very hard to follow all the instructions to the best of my ability. I have had no nausea to speak of and feel almost back to normal 13 days post-surgery. Still use a pillow to splint when coughing or sneezing or just to protect my abdomen. Have used my elliptical duo trainer every day since I came home from surgery 15 - 30 minutes/day most days. My sinus surgeries were much more painful, but your Dr. will send you home with prescription pain medication. I used mine for the 1st couple of days home.

I not only want, but need this surgery to be a success. My friends and family are very understanding. It helps there has only been one large get together since I began the pre-op process. This was a baby shower for my niece who has since given birth to twins. I was able to refrain from eating anything at the party, but they did have decaf coffee and water.

It will be harder once I start being around other people more during meal times and more than likely not being able to eat what they do. I have begun carrying a couple portions of my Protein mix, yogurt or soup with me when I know I'm going visiting. So far, so good.

I am a very social person too and I was concerned that the surgery would change that about me, but I haven't let it. I have been out to eat, at family dinners, etc, and it's been fine. For me, now, I realize that the company is more important to me than the food when I socialize. I also feel that I do need to learn to be around food, it's going to be everywhere just like before, and it's up to me to use the tools at hand, including the surgery, to deal with that environment. Most people I know are very understanding and really try to support me and accommodate me, and when I go out, I just make the right choices. You can totally do it!

Hi, You can still go out with friends, if you know where you are going, just go on line prior and choose foods that you can and should eat. A lot of restuarants now have nutrition information on line with their menus which makes it a lot easier. And if you go somewhere where you don't get to chose prior, stick with things like a cup of soup or chili. In a pinch, I've ordered a side salad and a cheeseburger, pickles, onion, catsup and mustard, no bun. Not a lot of food, but I know it won't take me over on calories and the burger gives me the protein I need.

I also tend to carry protein bars in my purse for those times we spontaneously hit a movie and I don't have the calories to do popcorn. I buy a bottle of water and munch on my Quest bar. :-)) Haven't had a theater yet throw me out or even question me. I've done it with almonds too.

And I will tell you that my friends and family have changed how we all socialize. Yes we still go out to eat, but most of the time we do non-food activities because although I am the only person sleeved, almost everyone is on some form of diet or moeny is so tight that it's either eat or do the activity. So you may find a lot less eating involved than you think.