Question:
I really miss eating out!!!!

I guess I am somewhat in mourning for the active lifestyle (which included frequent dining out) that I used to enjoy. I am almost three weeks post-op (open RNY). I have always enjoyed having the family together for a meal at a restaurant (the kids are somewhat captive for a short while anyway! ha!). I really MISS not going out, both for the social aspect as well as my craving for Mexican if I am going to be completely honest! I guess my question is, how soon have some of you started eating out in restaurants, where, and what types of foods? I can't wait to eat an enchilada or fajita again. :)    — Lori B. (posted on May 1, 2000)

May 1, 2000
Lori, I am six weeks post-op LAP RNY. I have just come off my first weekend of dining out because we had relatives in town. I don't know if I was just "lucky", but the experience went very well. I ate the insides out of cabbage rolls one night (just a few bites) and halibut the other. (I have heard that cabbage can do a number on digestive system we've got now.) Bites of salad, bite of bread, and even one of lemon merinque pie. I know, I know.....don't berate me for my bad food choice there but it was delicious and I didn't feel deprived, not did I eat to feeling stuffed. No dumping syndrome happened. The good part was I brought home the HUGE portions left over and had lunch ready-made the next day for more than one person! As far as emotions during dinner at not being able to "partake heartily" with the others, it wasn't an issue. I got to TALK more and listen to my dinner companions more clearly. AND, the weight continues to come off, both registering on the scale on in the way my clothes fit. Good luck! I WISH there was a Mexican place up here so I could have a quesadilla.
   — f M.

May 1, 2000
I was four weeks out and went to taco bell got pintos and cheese. Now I am 12 weeks out and I can eat a regular taco. I have also been to Kentucky Fried Chicken to eat, I at chicken there. I also have gone to McDonlads and had the chicken nuggets. There are ways to go around the surgery just chew chew chew your food and you will be ok. Good luck
   — Lee Ann B.

May 1, 2000
Hi Lori: I went through the same thing. Once I was on 'regular' food, and my body was trustworthy enough, I started eating out. A word of advice: don't go into a restaurant and order something you haven't added to your post-op diet yet. I did that...BIG mistake! Order something that you know you can tolerate, like a baked potato, or some soup the first time. Gradually progress to other foods as you progress at home. Good luck! Jaye
   — Jaye C.

May 1, 2000
While your early post-op and still on soft foods, try going to restaurants where you know you will find foods you can eat. I've been going to places like the Black-Eyed Pea, they have side dishes you can order al-a-cart and serve soups in cup sizes instead of just a bowl. It lets you enjoy going out and you don't waste alot of money buying a whole meal you know you can't eat.
   — Mark T.