So, last Friday, I met some friends at a bar after work. It was a last minute thing, so I didn't have any protein shakes with me. I had a couple of drinks and people started ordering bar food... I ate some of it. I could have gone on to "mushies" that day, so I legitimized my chewing the food really well. I haven't eaten anything but liquids since, but I can't let it go. I'm so afraid I screwed something up. I feel fine, but the guilt is killing me! I guess I'm looking for someone to tell me to get over it. I can't do anything about it now!

I cheated as well and nothing bad happend. It isn't the end of the world so don't beat yourself up about it.

Just each day work on better choices- and have shake powder or a ready-to-drink available at all times- keep one in the car or in your purse.

Get over it. You can't do anything about it now. But, you know now that you need to be prepared with your protein bars/shakes in the future. Also, another thing you could do is tell your friends, you have dinner plans but will meet them for drinks. Go get your band-approved dinner at home and then grab drinks after. You live, you learn. Its not gonna kill you. Hang in there.

You already know they weren't the best choices. There's no place to go but forward, right? Really, guilt is wasted here. You deviated from an eating plan; you didn't murder your brother-in-law

I'm with Anne. Try to keep healthy options available. And always have a plan. Even if you don't have a Protein Shake on hand, it's usually possible to order food for any eating stage from almost any menu. You may have to ask the kitchen to modify menu items---but it can be done, and pretty easily.

If you're honest with yourself, you'll know that the real issue was that you wanted the bar food.

You just have to decide, before you even walk into a bar or restaurant, that you're going to stick with your plan, no matter what temptation comes your way.

Or, you can choose to make an exception. And that's okay--there's room in life for that. HOWEVER, I wouldn't recommend making many exceptions in this immediate postop period; diet is advanced slowly for important reasons.

BetsyB has got it all down. I have been going out alot, even spontaneously. As soon as I know where I am going I head on the web and try and get as much info about the menu and nutrition as I can. Then I make my selections and stick to them.

I have fun, enjoy the time out, and feel good that I was able to make a much better decision than what I would have pre-band even if it the meal includes a few french fries.