Do you guys go out to eat now that you have had your surgery?

I tend to go out a lot and hope that going out to eat is not too hard. I just saw a video and the lady was talking about how hard it was to go out to eat.

it is the first month or so, so we didn't go out.

after that, there were a few things I could eat - some soups, chili, shrimp ****tail - so it was easier

after the first three or four months, you'll have more options. And at some point, you'll be able to eat most things (although I still don't eat much in the way of fried food - or really starchy food), but in smaller quantities than you did pre-surgery. I usually order something small - like soup & salad or an appetizer - or if I order an entree, I have maybe 1/3 to 1/2 of it and have them box up the rest.

I really don't enjoy going out to eat anymore because I can eat such a small amount. I used to just box most of it up and bring it home, but got to the point where I would rather just cook something at home. That way I know exactly what I am eating.

You will figure out what works for you. For most of us, it is bringing home enough for two more meals.

It depends on the type of restaurant. Restaurants are a lot more complicated for me because I'm vegan, so there are fewer options on the menu even before considering quantities. Still, most restaurants have something suitable on the menu, even for me. After a while you learn what to order at different types of restaurants. If eating out is an important part of your social life, you will adapt. Some like me will find it more trouble than it's worth, and cut back on eating out.

I had a favourite Thai restaurant that I was able to continue to eat at after WLS. I just ordered the vegetable stir-fry without the rice, and was able to eat almost all of it since it was only vegetables. But then they changed the menu so that you were forced to order a full meal with appetiser. I planned to give my dining partner my appetiser. I asked the server to leave off the rice, and he kept trying to offer me extra veggies, or extra something else. He was just trying to be helpful, but I felt pressured. It's not that I'm embarrassed; I'm quite happy to tell people I've had WLS. But I don't want to feel obliged explain my dietary needs to a perfect stranger, not when I've come for a relaxed dining experience. I haven't been back to that restaurant since.

I'm quite comfortable going to the type of cafe where people might get either a snack or a full meal, because if I just order some vegetable soup the server won't make a big deal of the fact that I'm eating so little.Since I eat out only a few times a year, I often order something that might seem wildly unhealthy, such as chips (french fries). My regular diet is so low fat that sometimes it's good to balance it out.

It was challenging in a first year. After that - not so much. Year 2-3 as my poouch matured, it was more challenging what to order and how much to eat. But overtime it's not a problem.

At the same time, just because I can eat something, it doesn't mean I should eat it. I know people IRL, that go out often and don't deny themselves anything. Unfortunately the same people regained a lot of weight. They believe that because of the surgery they should be able to eat regular food in moderation, but not regain. It's not working for them. Every time I had a period of time I did that, and allowed myself to have some alcohol, I regained and had to work hard to lose it.

Some people can do that, but for some - our metabolism is broken, and we can't do that and not gain. After you reach the goal, you would need to find for yourself what works, and what doesn't.

Even 11 years post OP, I eat much less that a typical portions served in US. I can eat a burger, no bun, and a few fries (if I chose to).

But I still have days that a few bites and I am full. I often end up getting "to go box".

I agree w Hala . I often have no choice but to eat catered food and that's usually high-fat ( though I make the lowest-fat choices)

Restaurant food on average contains triple the fat of the same dish made at home . So it's exponentially more fattening.

When my job forces me to eat out continually for a few days I'm SO relieved to know how to eat light - I'll make Fat free coleslaw or Greek salad w fat free feta cheese and fat free dressing ... or a lightly stir fried veggie dish w homemade fat free Thai curry.

It's such a great relief to have a health restoring non " road food " alternative.

This topic hit home today. One of my colleagues is organising a group lunch for Christmas. (We have to do it in November because so many people are on holiday in December). I didn't want to go because of the whole I-can-only-eat-a-tiny-portion thing. Now, I'm sure they would be happy to choose a restaurant where I would feel comfortable ordering a side dish, but frankly that would make me feel just as bad, knowing that I had limited the choices.

Also, they want to do a Secret Santa gift exchange. However, I'm trying to to limit the amount of waste I generate. Giving gifts to family or close friends is OK, because you know them well enough that there's a chance they will actually want the gift you choose. But whatever you get for a colleague is too likely to just go in a drawer or be re-gifted to someone else who also doesn't want it.

I hate to be a grinch, and I really enjoy Christmas, so I agonised over the decision, and whether or not to explain. (The colleague who is organising it knows I've had WLS, so I wouldn't mind explaining my concerns, but I don't want to make her feel bad for organising this.) Finally I just said sorry, I won't be participating, but I hoped they had a lovely time. I am doing other things to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to the office, though.

My pocket limits my dining out, but my surgery does not. That was not the case for the first 6-12 months when it seemed pointless and it was rarely worth it with my lack of appetite. I get a lot of take out boxes, or I just leave the food on the plate.

As long as you like leftovers, it's great. My husband and I went to breakfast and I got a veggie egg white omelet that I ate for four days. It was very cost effective!

I would make sure you check your feelings before deciding to go out. Make sure you are not emotional, and are prepared to eat just a little. You may get concerned questions from servers about why you didnt eat more. Prepare to be surrounded by things you cannot have. It takes a lot of willpower, but with preparation and the right state of mind, its doable. Oh! And maybe look at menus online ahead of time so you know what to get and are not overwhelmed! You can then research nutrition info and ingredients lists as well!

Realise that noone is entitled to your medical history, so if wait staff comment or indeed, anyone comments on what or how you eat. A simple, "it was delicious, but I'm full" is PLENTY of information.

If your surgeon is one of those that gives you a card asking for permission to eat off the Children's menu, tear it up and put it in the trash. Kids meals are not good nutrition! You draw attention to yourself and frankly a restaurant is under no obligation to allow you to do so! Choose an appetizer or entree and take the leftovers home. I choose off a menu depending on what i think will reheat well or only dress half a salad etc.