First time out to eat post op!

well... today my family decided to go out for breakfast. First time going out or having take out since my surgery. I have to say I was quite uncomfortable. Not eating wise, but how I was feeling.

Looking around at all the people eatting a big plate of food happily and theres me, cutting my scrambled eggs into the tiniest pieces and chewing that at least 15 times. This place is an amazing place to go for breakfast. You really get your monies worth here. We love it here.

I had to take off half my scrambled eggs, all of the bacon and bread and most of my home fries, leaving me with about 1/3 cup of scrambled eggs, and 1/4 cup of home fries. Wow. What an awful feeling! I wanted to cry! Im feeling really downright  now after that experience. what have I done? Dont get me wrong, I'm gratefull I am down 24 pounds, but will i be able to eat normally again? I will not be able to go out to eat for a long time if thats going to affect me like that. Anyone have this experience their first time going out to eat? How did you cope?

Oh sweetie. It's just food.  You're more powerful than it! 

You know your limits. Enjoy what you can eat. Most restaurant meals are more than a "normal" person needs to eat. 

Be proud that you don't eat it all! There's no need for it! 

Your new normal will never be your old normal!!!  Try to forget the eating everything on your plate you of the past......we know those eating habits didn't turn out well for you nor did it contribute to you and true happiness when you think about it.

 You said they looked happy as they ate.  Well if you arent happy at the moment. ....you soon will be.  When your body starts really changing and you discover and find enjoyment in so many new things ( other than food) you my dear will have the biggest smile at that table!!!!!   You are adjusting to all the differences and all this is very normal......it gets better and more rewarding. ..trust me.

This is your "new normal".  You can still enjoy eating out, eating well and enjoying others company but following your rules.  Small amts make small people is what I tell myself.  As an added plus, you can always take home the other half from a restaurant for later !!!!!

Maybe start ordering from the kids' menu?  Just explain you just had surgery and cannot eat adult portions ... you may be able to finish all the kid size portion and it will make you feel better.

That sounds like a good idea. The kids menu. But in the past, I find it more breaded things. LOL maybe it was just me. Thanks

Some places have a la carte where you can order just an egg.   No waste.  May seem odd to order just that but I do.   Rather than good being the focus on dining out,  enjoy the company.  

5.5 years out and I still split an appetizer with my other half and then just eat a few bites of his entree.   I get the not wanting to waste thing but dont stress. 

Thank you for your responses. I do have to think of food differently right  now. Because I am different now.

It was quite a wake up call that experience. I wasnt going to go, but felt bad if I didnt go, so I went. While I was sitting there I realized, going out to eat is no longer something I want to do right now. Maybe in a few months when things settle down. I am only a month out of surgery, might have been a bit too soon for me.

Had me self doubting my descision for this surgery. Making me feel awful for doing this. But I just needed to remember the reasons why I am focused on me right now and my health for a while. My head is back on straight and am refocused on my health again. Phew! That was tough. I hope you are right that it will get better. I really need something to look forward to. LOL Thank you both for your kind words.

I go out for breakfast every week. Always bring home left overs or just leave it. Another option we just order one big breakfast, I take my egg etc and hubby eats the rest. Don't let it bother you. I just call myself a cheap date. Will order a side salad and 'steal' meat from hubby. When w go to our regular places they know to bring take out box. I order from kiddy menu or seniors often.

You are just starting. Eventually you will eat more than a third cup. Just make healthy choices. Going out becomes more social and talking to friends etc... than eating. It is a change. When go out with wls friends we are a really cheap group always sharing.

Don't worry about the people eating their big plate of food happily, enjoy your small portions happily!  It's really hard when we associate fun/happy with food, especially eating out. But try to remember its not the food that makes you happy, its the people you're with and the experience of being with them. 

If you share or order from the kids menu think about, not only the food you aren't eating but the money you are saving too. Take that savings and buy yourself a smaller piece of clothing to make you feel better.