Question:
How have you coped with meal times at business functions?

I often attend seminars, or have working lunches, etc. in which the food is brought in. Most hotels provide something that should be ok for buffets, etc. I'm concerned with how I'll handle business lunches and other affairs though where it is assumed you are eating and socializing at the same time. Do you brown bag it, go without or try to request special meals? Or can you manage to find something (like turkey from within a sub sandwich)?    — Joyce L. (posted on May 28, 1999)


May 28, 1999
I've been to a lot of business lunches. Order soup, there's usually a choice so order the non-creamed choice. Soup is great because you can sip it forever. You can (and should) make it last through the whole meal. The beauty of this is you can be very attentive to who ever is talking, and if you have a point to make, your mouth isn't full. Sip, don't slurp and they will think you are the perfict lunch companion.
   — [Anonymous]

May 28, 1999
I eat what I knwo to be "safe". And if it is catered and my choices are limited, I fill up on the few safe things, while sort of messing the food around my plate! At this size, it is assumed that I'm "so tiny" because I eat like a bird. And while we're still full sized, everyone THINKS (in their prejudice against us) that we should eat like a bird, so you win either way.
   — vitalady

May 28, 1999
you always will find something to eat and you will be eating soooooo much less it won't really phase you unless it is a donut only affair. Good luck Allison
   — Allison Mupas

May 28, 1999
You can usually find something that you can eat. Fruit, some type of salad, part of a sandwich. It isn't a problem to eat out like that.
   — dboat

May 30, 1999
I go out a lot. I am 5 yrs post op. In the first year I would stick with basic soft foods low in fat and no sugar. somtimes that meant soup (I really enjoy vegetable soup now) Now that I can eat "normal" I usually choose a salad and soup with non fat dressing. I still get so full that this holds me til dinner even if everyone orders dessert. I just sip my iced tea and enjoy the company. When I was at an overnight meeting where the food was pre ordered, I usually contacted the person in charge of the meeting to find out what was being offered. If there was a problem she was really good about accomodating my needs.
   — vt_rita

June 1, 1999
Hi: I have no problem at lunch or any other time. I simple eat whatever is there but only a few bites. Lunch functions are an everyday thing for me. I do not eat carbs tho, so I would take a sandwich apart if that is all they have.(but so do all the "naturally" skinny people!) I eat the top off of pizza but usually I bring a yogurt and eat it first, so I then usually only pick at the luncheon. Don't worry about it so much, you may be making this harder on yourself than you have to. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, is on a diet these days, so you should fit right in. Good luck Proastro
   — Veronica M. B.

June 1, 1999
Hi there ... I also attend alot of business functions, and my best bet was to just order what was most condusive to my diet... alot of times if you just ask the server, they will bring you some soup a baked potato works well too. As far as not telling your family, I realize that they can give you some crap about the surgery.. but once they see the results its odd how their mouths begin to close. Be proud of what you have accomplished. I have found that being honest in regard to the surgery is really what works best. Its simple, just say that you have had surgery to help you lose weight, it is what was right for you. Tell whomever that your on a restricted diet and can only eat small amounts. You will be surprised at the amount of understanding and support that you will receive. Good luck! Mary Anne
   — Mary Anne M.

June 2, 1999
Well, I don't about anyone else, but I love eating in crowds now. I don't have to be embarrassed or go away hungry. People are always curious what I can eat and actually they probably watch me closer now than they did before. I try to find something that is there, which there is always something. It doesn't take much anyway to fill you up. There is usually fruit, or some sort of meat, like turkey. Be proud you don't eat like you use to. Have fun!!
   — Rhonda B.

June 20, 1999
soup or salad is always safe and almost never makes me sick.
   — Donna D.




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