So I was banded on June 11 and I told myself that for the first month or so after that while I was on mushy/soft foods, I would avoid going out with my friends if possible. (My friends only tend to frequent bars and have bar food at these spots.) I have been very good so far. I go home and walk on the treadmill instead of going out. But it is sinking in that I feel like I am punishing myself. I miss going out with my friends already. But I am worried so much about if there will be anything decent to eat and since I do not want to drink at all right now, will I be fine just sitting around sipping Water while the others are throwing back beer and mixed drinks? A bunch of people are going "out" this weekend to watch the soccer game at you guessed it - a bar. I have not committed yet. I guess I just do not want to mess up my "good behavior".

Has anyone else felt this way yet? :thumbup:

Yes I do feel this way also! I have gone out with my friends and had only water with lemon. I told them that I would be the designated driver. It was not much fun but it was good to get out of the house and be with friends again. I was banded May 10th and had my first glass of wine last week(with permission from my dietician). I totally enjoyed it!!

I think you're doing the right thing in the early going, but several months in I would definitely go with your friends, watch the soccer and nurse a glass of white or something. You don't want to get to the point where you're punishing your band for not allowing it to allow you to enjoy your friends. Eventually you'll be able to do both and it won't be torturous.