Social eating is still a problem for me. I've been banded for almost 2 years and lost 100 lbs. but when I'm with a group eating out, it's a mess. I don't know if I eat faster than usually, too big of bites, or just nerves that people will comment on what I'm eating or not eating. Wondered if anyone else had this issue.

I had the surgery almost four months ago and i have the same issue. I go out to eat with friends and they always mention how i barely put a dent in my food, they say "you did not even put a ding in it". it is very difficult eating luch with co-wokers for birhday celebrations, when they order pizza and have cookies and cakes. They are very supportive of me though and they tell me all the time how they are proud of me and that they do not think they would have the will power to do it.

I totally know what you mean! I spent this summer working at a summer camp for girl scouts. I was so worried that I would set a bad example or that people would think I was anorexic. I found that about half way through summer when I got the courage up to tell everyone on staff, every said they never even noticed. But then I felt they had my back if a kid did mention my intake. It is such a relief when everyone around you knows what is up.

I eat out a lot and always feel self conscious even though everyone knows I hae the band and issues. If I try to act normal I end up in the bathroom barfing....so I eat a few bites, engage in much conversation, and take home my leftovers. At first I let my feelings stop me from going out, but finally realized that was silly. I usually have dessert, which is slider food and share it with someone.

Mimi

I think people pay a whole lot less attention to us than we are afraid they will.

No one has ever commented on my eating--even when I've had to leave the table due to being stuck.

I order tiny things, and eat only part of them---and either I'm oblivious to the reactions of people around me, or no one even notices.

Thanks everyone. I'll keep trying. I do sometimes order slider foods like soup or desserts like ice cream so at least i get some calories. I read that some people always order a dip with their chicken to keep things moist. I'm going to try that. Today is wedding anniversary and he's taking me out. I'm grateful but a little anxious. I don't want to ruin family's fun. But like you said maybe they don't even notice. Everyday is another AFGO (another f#*&ing growth oppurtunity)

Hi, I have gotten stuck when I eat out just because i get so nervous that many times I need to excuse myself. After I relax a bit and drink warm liquids like tea or something I tend to do much better.

Social eating IS harder but I still find it enjoyable.

I cant figure it either. My band is so steady and reliable and never gives me grief, until I eat out. Even then, I've only once in five years had to leave the table to barf, but I eat VERY little when I eat out. I just seem to tighten right up, despite a glass of wine or two. I'm not consciously nervous or embarrassed and everybody I know knows I have a band. But I still fill up on like 3 mouthfuls when I eat out.

On the plus side, I now LOVE fancy restaurants where you get a pea and an alfalfa sprout on a huge white plate and one drop of wine in a fishbowl glass!

I too have had issues eating out. Usually it's my own stupidity for trying to not hold everyone up while I eat and try and eat too fast. It's only happened twice, but enough that it does cause a little concern.

Now it's just trying to be more mindful of what I order and how much time we have to eat. If we are in a rush, I order very little, or take it to go, or pack a snack so I can eat at leisure. Never hurts to have a small bag of nuts, granola or a 100 calorie pack in the bottom of your purse.

I think a lot of folks have trouble eating out - I know the first 6 months or so that was pretty much the ONLY time I would have issues....so I think we are wired to talk and eat and not pay attention to how much/fast we are eating. This is a problem for bandsters!

I don't find myself having as much trouble now, but I try and be mindful when I am out and eat SLOW and not drink anything. I do tend to stick to the usual foods when I am out, those I know I won't struggle with as much....and I always try and have "sauce" of some type along with my meat....be it chicken and BBQ sauce...hamburger and ketchup...or pizza topping with pizza sauce on the rare occassions I am out with the fam at a pizza place. Ya gotta just re program your mind - it takes time....we didn't get programmed this way overnight...so now we are trying to un do what we have learned thus far in life!

Hang in there - you can do it!

Kim