I was banded on 12/23. I am currently on the pureed phase of my diet, gradually moving into soft food. (I've tolerated chili, refried beans, soft canned fruit, soups, etc.) A friend if mine (who I haven't told about being banded, she's sort of hardcore with nutrition and weight loss stuff) is having a birthday party tomorrow at a local tapas restaurant. Granted, tapas are great because they're small portions. However, after looking at the menu, I'm not sure if there's anything I can eat! If I don't go, I know she'll be upset. However, I don't want to go and not eat anything and draw attention to myself.

I'm attaching a link of the menu. Can I get some opinions on what I might be able to eat? I was thinking rice pudding might be okay or the tortilla espanola (Spanish potato omelet with romesco sauce). I appreciate any help you can offer :-)

http://www.ibizatapaswinebar.com/menu2.htm

You could attend the party but refrain from eating. I am not keen on fibbing but perhaps you could use a stomach bug or not feeling well as a "cover" All of my family events revolve around food and I had to make a few excuses at first. One that isn't that far from the truth such as "I had a pretty big lunch/dinner and am feeling full" (which you probably are) might be an alternative.

Try the Quesos de España con Membrillo; Assortment of Spanish cheeses with quince paste. Order something and pick at it you can make it look like you are eating it, if it is too solid for you. If your friend is so into nutrition and being healthy then why can't you tell her? Would she be judgmental about WLS?

Sounds good, thanks :-) Yes, she has a very traditional view of weight loss. "Diet and exercise!" When I did mention WLS once, she started talking about all the other options I should be exploring versus having WLS. I tried explaining that to get to the point of requiring WLS, you HAVE tried everything.

Try the Quesos de España con Membrillo; Assortment of Spanish cheeses with quince paste. Order something and pick at it you can make it look like you are eating it, if it is too solid for you. If your friend is so into nutrition and being healthy then why can't you tell her? Would she be judgmental about WLS?

I was banded on Dec 27th and had to go to a 50th Birthday party buffet this past weekend. Even though there was no soup on the buffet, I asked the waitress and she got me the most amazing cream of mushroom soup. It was totally awesome!!! I got everyone ordering the soup. It was a BIG hit. It was kinda funny. I picked and poked at the soup for over an hour and no one really noticed that I wasn't eating anything else.

Also, I've lost 19 pounds and people are starting to notice. So........... I'm just telling them I'm working with my doctor and his dietician. They put me on a on a very strict diet. I haven't told anyone about the lap band. I'm not ready to tell yet and figured, that it's personal. I'm sure if you talk with the waitress and tell her you're on a very strict diet, she might be able to suggest something for you.

Let us know how it goes!!!