Question:
how much can you eat when you a year post op

I don't want everyone to know if I have surgery ( I will tell family and close friends) what if I have to go out on a business dinners what would I order what would I be able to eat and how much,    — kathy B. (posted on June 29, 2002)

June 29, 2002
For volums comparison a single pizza hut personal pan supreme. I am about a year out, and dont feel deprived at all. Watching other normal weight folks eating I now eat about as much to slightly less than they do. <P> Being in a relaxed etting allows me to eat more. I noticed this on our cruise in early june. Eating in the main dining room, served course by course and relaxed I could eat a LOT more. <P> I am VERY happy with my decision to have surgery. Last year I was pre op and scared to death. This is WAY better. POST OP IS THE PLACE TO BE!!!!!!
   — bob-haller

June 29, 2002
you don't need to worry a bit about it!! i am 11 months out and i order whatever i want! i am not able to eat it all, but i can eat about 1 cup of food at a sitting. i usually try to order from the senior menu, or just a lighter meal. almost always chicken or fish(they just seem to work better for me). i had to travel out of state at 1 month, that wasn't a challange either...i just ordered mashed potatoes, then took a couple of bites of my husbands meat and veggies, viola, a meal for me! best of luck to you
   — deb_wls2001

June 29, 2002
Kathy, you'll be amazed how people don't even notice how much you can or cannot eat when you are out at a business lunch or family dinner. I am only 5 1/2 months out, but when I go out to lunch I'll order grilled chicken over salad and take 1/2 of it home, or I'll order 1/2 sandwich and eat most of it. You are viewed as a normal eater, whereas before i would have inhaled a huge sandwich with chips or french fries. And if anyone should say something, simply say you had a late breakfast!
   — Cindy R.

June 29, 2002
I am a year out from open-RNY and my family eats out alot! I just usually share alot of my meal, if I order one, and bring home the rest for leftovers. At Chili's the other night, I ate some chips and salsa (always a bit of a weakness) and a bowl of chicken mushroom soup and did not feel the least deprived. At Copeland's last night, again a cup of crab bisque soup and about 3 small shrimp. Kids helped eat some, daughter took home for leftovers, but the waiter did come to ask if everything was ok with my meal as I had eaten so little. I usually just eat a little of whatever looks interesting and I know I can handle and save the rest. A Chinese food takeou for lunch will last me about 3 days still. Good Luck! Before you know it you will be answering questions like this yourself!
   — Molly S.

June 29, 2002
Even now, 2 years later I do this when eating out with people who don't know. I cut my meal in 1/2 or 1/3 depending on how big, anounce that this is the way I've been eating to keep my weight off. I do lots of talking so I have time to eat slow. People never notice. If I happen to have a day where food won't go down as well, I just say that I'm really not that hungry and take the whole thing with me in a container for later.
   — ZZ S.

June 29, 2002
hi: UNFORTUNATELY I have a lifestyle that requires me to eat out almost every day...I have a very understanding business partner though that has needed to take off a few pounds herself, SOOOOOO...our solution is to split a meal when ever we go out...We ate at Chili's Restaurant the other day and split one of their chicken cobb salads..We both ordered water with lemon and it cost us $7.32 for lunch..what a GREAT MEAL and can't beat the price...If out at a business lunch or dinner, I make a meal out of an appetizer....My favorite is nachos, (xtra beans and cheese) and we all know that appetizers fill us up....so there is no explanation necessary when I don't order dinner..I just nibble on the nachos and drink my water while I watch all the others "pig out". I don't feel as though I am missing a thing....
   — Joi G.