Socializing and Eating

I've been able to meet up with several of you over the last several months and go out to eat.  I am one who thinks it is important to learn how to socialize and eat at the same time.  In my past I was always the one who finished everything on my plate and always first...like I was going to win a prize or something.  I also know from my past that while socializing it is hard to concentrate on your food while socializing. So, over the last several months while getting together with some of you...it has been like practicing/teaching how to socialize and eat. I'm curious of how many of you who have not had the opportunity to participate in these gatherings would want to.  It is a time to let your guard down and watch yourself and others who have had wls. So...if these "events" were close by where you live...would you participate in them?  Outside of your regular support group? Tonja

i would love it , i have only been out to eat twice since surgery and both times was with family , so it was very easy and i didnt feel they were watching me , i was always like that too , i always gobbled my food down and my brother and i always laughed at my mom because it took her so long to finish , i guess she was really the smart one ..... Luanne

The things we learn from watching others!  My younger sister was always the same way.  Ate little bites and slowly.  I was always the greedy eater.  I always wanted my fair share.  What scares me is seeing my daughters doing the same thing and trying to figure out how to stop this behavior.

I would love to meet up more often and socialize while dining...especially once I get a fill that's somewhere close to what I need.  So far, it's been WAY too much or too little, so I've had a hard time getting to my sweet spot.  I'm hopeful for Tuesday, though, as Dr. G is doing a fill under flouro. So, are you going to coordinate a few outings for all of us? Cathy

I'm sure open to suggestion! I'm curious how it will be to have it done under fluro.  I'm sure no different than usual but I'm curious how much more accurate it will be. I'm sure glad to see you.  How was the parade?  I sure hope you all had an absolute blast! Tonja

I'd love it.  I don't have the ability to travel to do it though.  Really the amount of time I get out of the house away from the kids is limited.  I have gotten to meet Laurell for coffee and my hubby has taken me to dinner twice. My biggest problem is that with all the chewing, how do you talk??? I get so mad if DH asks me a question while I'm trying to chew my food to liquid.  I can't respond or it'll fly out of my mouth.  It would also be gross.

Launa...you remind me of myself. I remember I finally had to tell my hubby to leave me alone while I was eating.  He is very lovie dovie.  It seemed like every single time he would try to touch me like patting my back or hugging me while I was eating I would get stuck.  I finally told him that he was just going to have to stop it while I was eating. As far as talking while eating.  It's slowing down on the eating...putting the eating utensil down...talking.  That's why I love going out to eat and trying to socialize.  It's like a game for me now. One of these days maybe we OKC folks can head your direction to meet up.  It would be great to meet you! Tonja

I would love to meet up, but I have never been to OKC.  Coffee was great the other night Luana, thanks so much for meeting me.  Also I would like to day Luana is a brilliant person.  She told me to try hot tea when I am feeling a bit yucky.  It worked great, I have moved hot tea to the top of my favorites list.

Thanks Laurell!  I'm glad the hot tea worked for you.  It's so funny because I always hated tea and now I'm drinking a cup a day, sometimes more.  It definitely soothes my tummy. *LOL* I do wish we were closer together.  It sucks that you have to drive 40 minutes or so to get here. 

I am so glad you girls are so close by each other so you can get together.  It is great when you are around someone who is going through the same stuff as you.  And...a new friendship at that! I'm proud of you two! Tonja