I have been dating someone for a little while. I started dating him after I had lost a lot and still had a lot more to lose. I was up front with him about my surgery and my dietary habits and he is very understanding. Sometimes he will eat a big plate of nachos while I eat a Quest bar, or sometimes we share food. Usually when we are going out to eat together, I have a general idea of where we will eat, and that gives me a chance to plan ahead. There are times when he wants something I want no part of, and I just tell him to go enjoy it and I will catch up with him later. No matter what he chooses to eat, I am still in control of what I eat and I make the best choices I can for myself. He also loves beer, and I don't drink at all, but that hasn't been an issue either. I will always do what I need to do, and it's never been an issue. Most people in my life don't have to manage their eating the way I do, but they have all been very supportive.

I have shared with everyone that I had the surgery so it isn't an issue. My sis-in-law has not shared. She sometimes just orders an appetizer and says she isn't that hungry or had a big meal previously. Other times she orders a full meal and then says she gets full and takes the rest home. If I know where I am going to eat ahead of time, I usually check out the menu so I have a good idea going in of what fits into my eating plan and that is what I order.

Great question and some great answers. Totally agree with Pat on the co-worker situation.

When you're ready to explain your situation to your new relationship their support will be very beneficial. In my relationship we are completely different as how we eat, or when. The only meal we do together is dinner. He wants large, fat filled (butter/bacon grease flavoring) and I am trying to cut out the excess. I have learned to take my portions out before cooking his version. He does miss rice/potatoes/pasta, as I haven't been cooking them lately, but he will ask for them and I make a separate portion for him, and I have a different vegetable. (which he usually eats as well.)

Also, I find it difficult to eat slowly when I eat with him or mixed company. We get into discussion and I am not thinking about how fast I am eating. We basically eat in rhythm. (This probably sounds strange) He knows when I get up from the table during dinner, it isn't because I no longer want to talk, but because I need to stop eating. That I am full. I will move away from food when I am tempted, and he get's it. I have even asked that he put the leftovers away for me, because i don't trust myself on weak days.

I am eating around 1,000 calories per day. I fix and bring to work, so Monday-Friday, my breakfast and lunch. Dinner is whatever the husband decides to cook. We shop to my bariatric needs and his heart issue needs, but we primarily eat lean meat and a vegtable. I have a guide for myself that I want a certain amount of protein for the calories or I won't buy or make it. We take the grandkids out to breakfast on Sundays after church and I get a greek omlette or sometimes cornbeef hash and eggs, no toast or potatoes. I take about 1/2 home. We go out to dinner, I take about 1/2 home or he finishes it. I have a card also that asks to allow me to order off the kids menue, but I find it easier and healthier to just order regular and take 1/2 home. It's not heard and I rarely have to explain myself.

Eating out is as much about being social as having a meal, so I order what I want, but box up what's left when I get full. I'll also often ask if there are smaller portions available. A lot of people have eating issues/habits not related to WLS so most of the time I don't get any comments on my particular habits.