I go out to eat all the time. I get crab, scallops or salmon. I get veggies, and skip the bread. I get water to drink, but don't drink it, I always have leftovers, I take them home and eat them the next day. I have found that I didn't want to change my lifestyle by not eating out with friends and I have done quite well. I often eat at places that list the calorie content and will eat the lower calorie selections and eat half of what they serve. I travel for work at times and I only have those options. I do take protein drinks with me on the plane, I find that it works. I also work out while on vacation. running stairs if need be, most places have a gym, not great gyms but they have something that gets me moving. Make sure that when you order your food you stress how you want it cooked. Don't be embarrassed about leaving the food if you can't take it with you. It can either go to waste or go to waist so to speak. If they serve breads before the meal you can say 'no'. that bread is not good for us. We don't need to fill up on the fat and carbs, save for your protein. Order small portions. Get half salmon if need be. Avoid things that are marinated as they have higher sugar content. If waitress asks if food was ok as you didn't finish, just tell them it was fine, that you don't eat much. Stay away from fast food places. If you find that you are stuck at one, get a lean meat sandwich and throw away the bread or get it prepared without bun. The salads are not always the best choice. you can always go online and get the nutritional information on foods served at most places. Just be aware of what you put in your mouth and you will be fine. Always ask yourself if the food you are eating will be worth the extra exercise you must put in to burn it off.

I go out to eat with my husband once a week--it's been a challenge. I've had a few "probably ate too much" moments, and a whole lot of "should have ordered an appetizer instead of a meal" moments. It's just part of learning to live with the sleeve, I guess.

I try to order something that appeals to me, that fits my protein/carb plans, and that can be eaten the next day (some things don't reheat well!). It was harder making choices at Disney where I knew I wouldn't want to bring back leftovers. I ordered mostly off the soup or appetizer menu there. My husband has been joking lately that the surgery will pay for itself in a couple years just by my not eating an actual meal when we go out. Haha very funny.

I started going out a few months after surgery. I try not to look at is as a waste, unless someone invites me to a buffet, then it truly is. I order what I like that fits into my plan. Sometimes I take home leftovers, sometimes I don't. Sometimes I share food, sometimes I don't. I just try to enjoy the experience of dining out, and the company I am with. Now, because I choose carefully, I can really enjoy dining out. The biggest thing is knowing when to stop, because restaurants do serve huge portions sometimes. I have been known to ask for a box at the beginning of a meal to pack up some of my meal, so that what is on my plate is a good size portion that I can deal with.

Probably 3-4 months out. If I'm being healthy I choose fish of some kind. I can get a bit more fish down than most other proteins. Otherwise, I try and share something with the BF or order off the kiddie men, (not always the healthiest choices, but I don't eat ehough to matter much). As for "waste", I look at it this way... My body is not a garbage disposal. I don't enjoy the dinner any less if I leave half of it on the plate and have no guilt for leaving food behind.