Whats life like without the food?

Ok so I have to know hwo do you deal withnot having all tha food? Im an emotional eater so I do have to deal with that, but what I really mean is things like when you go out with friends what do you do when everyone else is eating? Is it hard? Im at a little of a loss baout how to handle socail situations. I mean a college student so ill just admitt most of these revolve around drinking, and food for me so what do I do now? How do you handle people when they ask why you aren't eating, or drinking?

Well, I think everyone will handle the situations differently. I personally was not an emotional eater. However, I did find myself extremely worried about going out to places with friends after having my surgery. So, the things I did..  I tried places with just my husband and I.. that way I knew what I could tolerate. If we went somewhere with friends that I've never been before I tend to stick to things I know I can tolerate. Chili, grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, soups (non cream types)  You can also get a  childs food card either from your doctor or I believe there is one you can print from the OH website.   As far as people asking about your food habits.. tell them the truth. You had gastric bypass. Most people will be like, oh that's interesting. Some will ask a few questions.. All my friends knew prior to the surgery so I really don't have to deal with that aspect much.    And you'll find that you'll finish your small portions about the same time people finish their oversized portions due to how slowly you need to eat and how many times you need to chew your food.  It really is easy to deal with social situations. And If you're an emotional eater.. I've heard channeling that emotion into exercising is the best way to deal with it. So, if you're sad.. angry.. happy.. whatever emotion causes you to eat. Go for a walk, swim, or put in a dvd. Or, call a friend to talk you through it.. You always have us online to go to as well!  Like I said.. everyone will probably deal with this differently.. this is just the way I handle it!  Good luck hun! ~Zandra~

I don't really drink alcohol, so when I am out with friends and I don't want to nibble or eat anymore, I order coffee. I sip coffee all the time with my friends or unsweet tea with equal~ Holli

I stayed completely honest with all my friends and family- even the people at work. So in doing that its kind of neat- when a bunch of people go out with me, they typically ask me if i want a 'bite' off there plate. I think its awesome I get a taste of what everyone else is eating, and they now why I cant eat as much anymore-because of my honesty. When I go out to the bar and whatnot with friends is I think when I get all my liquids in for the day-lol. I sip on 'water on the rocks'  while they have there drinks.- oh and i have the bartender pu****er in a reg glass- so no will offer me a drink- since i 'already have one'.- hope that helps a little bit.

I eat like a normal person now... I eat when I go out.. I just make healthier choices. Ever go out with a skinny person and see how they dont always finish their plate? Thats how I am now... I eat about 1/2 of what I order, or better yet... get the person I am with to split. I still order a water and maybe take a few small sips to seem 'normal' but mostly people do not notice that I am any different than them. If I am going to a new resturant I will look up the menu online first so I can have an idea of what I would like to eat... I also check the nutritional information if its available.  Since you are early out social situtations may be a little harder... you can always say you arnt that hungry or you just ate... at first I would only eat around people who knew I had the surgery so I wasnt questioned... father out the not that hungry excuse would work good :-)

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Very helpful

I figured i'd add my 2 cents worth in here, even though it was a few days. To be honest how i deal with out having all the food, I don't miss it, I have no hunger, if it wasnt for the clock and the doctors telling me to eat or have a protein shake I wouldnt.  Which is honestly a great feeling, I used to be hungry all the time and always have something that i just had to have, now i could go with out it all. I can find something that I can have on any menu, even at 4 weeks out when I was alowed to have tuna, I just talked to the waitress, (waitresses and managers will be your new friends).  Around Michigan we have a chain of resturants called Big Boy (or Elis Brothers) and my husband LOVES to go there, they have a soup and salad buffet he just loves, so i talked to them and got food that I could handle, that was acceptable at my part of the diet.  Eventually when I can eat a little more we will meal share, I would suggest that if you are going out into a social setting find a good girl friend that will meal share with you when you are far enough out. As far as drinking is concerned you just have to say no, be the DD.  Theres no advice i can give you about that, because drinking is like a major no atleast from my surgeon. When people ask why I am not eating or why i am eating so little, I am just blatently honest with them, (hell they asked right).  I have found it to be the best approach for me. I hope even one thing I said has helped you :)