I am about 4 1/2 months post surgery. I have lost 45 pounds, and my BMI has gone from 37.4 to 30.2. So, I am making progress. My question to you more experienced bandsters, how do you eat out, with out over doing it....or if it is one of your favorite meals...how do you stop? I find that when I do go out on occasion, that I overeat. I regret it, and promise to never do it again...because I pay for it...I don't get sick and throw up, I just feel like I ate Thanksgiving dinner pre-LAP-BAND®!

I went out this evening with friends to a cook-off. We got there late and had to stand. I ate my dinner, and socialized with frinds, while doing so, and ate too fast and didn't listen to my band. It is an hour and a half later, and I still feel stuffed. I am paranoid that I have stretched my pouch. How do you tell your brain to stop!!! I feel like I have not gained control of this part of band life, and I do not want to ruin my band.

Thanks,

Amber

I eat out alot

Some suggestions:

Soup

salad

fish

order an healthy appetizer which is just about the right size for me

order and request take out box to start meal so you only have half on your plate or share a meal. My friends love to eat my left overs or I have a great lunch for work the next day

avoid the kids menu as bad choices ie fried and/or fat

Good luck, it can be done.

Getting a take out box is a great idea. You probably shouldn't eat more than 1/2 of what they give you. You can ask for a takeout box with your meal. Then put 1/2 away before you even eat. Most places have something you can eat- like grilled fish and veggies or a chicken ceasar salad. You may want to stick to a few places you know have something you like that is on your eating plan. Best wishes!

Yes, eating out can be a challenge, made worse by the fact that my eating inhibitions fly right out the window after a glass of wine! I usually order an appetizer (something not fried or sauced up, like a shrimp cocktail). Then, I order a "small" side salad, and eat it as a main course. If I'm really lucky, someone will order a decadent dessert and give me one bite. That being said, I have screwed up more than once while out for dinner, and have mastered vomiting (silently, into toilet paper) in many a restaurant washroom. Who knew I would have to master a whole new skill set to deal with the band? Good luck!:smile2:

Another thing that I do is if it is a planned event I will check out the menu before I go. Some will list the nutritional values of each dish so then I can make up my mind as to what to order. Some restaurants don't and then I just do the soup and salad. I also do the take home the leftovers. I am very lucky that I get the hiccups when I am full so as soon as I get my first hiccup I am done and ask for a to go box.