Hi,

first time on here :crying:

I'm from the UK and will be banded in Belgium on 13th October. I'm well researched and didn't take the decision lightly. I'm excited.

Last night I went out with my partner and another couple, we had an indian banquet (I've not been advised of any pre-op diet yet); and I couldn't help wondering if, once I'm banded, I will feel on the outside of it all? Our meal took a good hour and a half. I presume the first course will be pretty much my lot in the future.

I don't want to back out of these social events, but how will I cope, with sitting at a table and not eating for ages? Any tips?

thanks :biggrin:

Hi,

That's one concern I guess I have thought about many times as well. What to do at a dinners, events, etc. I really enjoy a slow dinner with friends, hoping I can still find enjoyment after Nov. 10th. I suppose small bites of everything over a couple hours works??

How do you feel post-op!?

Cheers

Welcome!

Don't worry! The lapband won't delete your social life just because you can't consume mass quantities ! Just go out as you normally do, order something band-friendly and eat v e r y s l o w l y. By band friendly I mean something small, moist, with lots of protein and lots of nutrition. Not lots of carbs like a noodle dish or dry meat. Fish is always a good choice, as is other seafood (unless they overcook it), a tender steak is good, although you won't finish it, and chicken can be ok if it comes with a sauce (dry chicken is a no go). Eat your protein first, then your veggies (meaning cooked veggies or nutrient rich raw veggies, not heaps of iceberg lettuce) and starches only last if you have room and you probably won't. (South Beach Diet is a very band-friendly way of life, check it out)

I hope this helps. You may get a bit of teasing for eating so little, but hey? Who will laugh last when you look all great at your goal weight? Doggie bags are the new chic...

good luck!!

You can almost always find something you will be able to eat.

Put food on your plate and play with it, move it around, take tiny bites.

No one will notice and if they do you can always just say your not feeling well.

Hi,

That's one concern I guess I have thought about many times as well. What to do at a dinners, events, etc. I really enjoy a slow dinner with friends, hoping I can still find enjoyment after Nov. 10th. I suppose small bites of everything over a couple hours works??

How do you feel post-op!?

Cheers

Hi Fatboy slim, thanks for your reply. Got home from Belgium 3 days ago. I got through it ok and you will too :thumbup:

Had lots of time to think while recovering, I think I'll be open with people I'll be dining with, but will also politley get the message across to them that I don't want the little amount I'll be eating referred to all night. After all I want to feel the same as everyone else. I think they'll understand. ~Best wishes to you :smile:

Welcome!

Don't worry! The LAP-BAND® won't delete your social life just because you can't consume mass quantities ! Just go out as you normally do, order something band-friendly and eat v e r y s l o w l y. By band friendly I mean something small, moist, with lots of Protein and lots of nutrition. Not lots of carbs like a noodle dish or dry meat. Fish is always a good choice, as is other seafood (unless they overcook it), a tender steak is good, although you won't finish it, and chicken can be ok if it comes with a sauce (dry chicken is a no go). Eat your protein first, then your veggies (meaning cooked veggies or nutrient rich raw veggies, not heaps of iceberg lettuce) and starches only last if you have room and you probably won't. (South Beach Diet is a very band-friendly way of life, check it out)

I hope this helps. You may get a bit of teasing for eating so little, but hey? Who will laugh last when you look all great at your goal weight? Doggie bags are the new chic...

good luck!!

Thanks AnnieM, this info is really useful for me, I've printed it to take with me when I eat out. I sat at the kitchen table with my partner for the first time today and we ate together- he on ham and eggs, me on thin Soup :smile: It wasn't too bad - have to face these things some time or other. Thanks again for the help, very best wishes to you :thumbup:

You can almost always find something you will be able to eat.

Put food on your plate and play with it, move it around, take tiny bites.

No one will notice and if they do you can always just say your not feeling well.

Hi Mariasha, thanks for the guidance. Good point you raised about people not noticing= I don't remember a time when I myself sat and watched someone else eating. Suppose I'm just a bit overwhelmed by the the changes it's going to bring. Thanks, take care:tongue:

Hey Trace,

I am coming into this thread kind of late, as you are already banded, congrats by the way!

But, a long meal will somewhat work to your advantage. With your new band you will need to eat slowly. Small bites and chew well. You will not be rushed, that is a good thing. If it was served family style, so much the better. Just put small (very small) portions on your plate. Fill the empty space with veggies, or not. If anyone mentions it, you are praciticing portion control. I am open about my surgery. Anyone comments, (which few people do) I tell them why.

With each course, you'll be able to take a bit of this and a bit of that. Mainly you'll have to really take little bits to ensure you will have room for subesquent courses.

And remember, the time going out is not about the food, really, it's about time with friends and family. If you only consume the first course, after your alloted time for liquids passes, you can order a drink and enjoy the remaining time with the people around you.

Hey Trace,

I am coming into this thread kind of late, as you are already banded, congrats by the way!

But, a long meal will somewhat work to your advantage. With your new band you will need to eat slowly. Small bites and chew well. You will not be rushed, that is a good thing. If it was served family style, so much the better. Just put small (very small) portions on your plate. Fill the empty space with veggies, or not. If anyone mentions it, you are praciticing portion control. I am open about my surgery. Anyone comments, (which few people do) I tell them why.

With each course, you'll be able to take a bit of this and a bit of that. Mainly you'll have to really take little bits to ensure you will have room for subesquent courses.

And remember, the time going out is not about the food, really, it's about time with friends and family. If you only consume the first course, after your alloted time for liquids passes, you can order a drink and enjoy the remaining time with the people around you.

Hi Cocoabean, how nice of you to reply

the people I go out with tend to be fast eaters; so maybe you're right, my eating a bit of food very slowly may still be timed nicely with their eating 3 courses quickly. Thanks for giving me a more positive angle :smile: