So it's Valentine Weekend and my hubby and I are going to an Italian place tonight with our chruch and I cant eat Pasta...

It's a nice place we went last year when I didnt have the band and they served alot of pasta dishes and bread and salad (buffet style)

*Sigh* Looks like I'll be sticking to the salad tonight...

I suggest you get some protien as well as salad. Maybe a meatball or a piece of sausage? Have fun.

Chicken parm might be another good protein option or a grilled chicken ceasar salad.

Italian is our family's favorite food! I typically get a chicken dish like a chicken piccata or another dish w/ a light sauce that is not fried. Good luck.

I've done shrimp scampi or veal parmigiana. I choose not to eat pasta but I eat the meat,sauce and veggies.

Hmm I can eat pizza, so i'll usually have one slice. Or get something normal just don't eat much of it.

chicken parm might be another good Protein option or a grilled chicken ceasar salad.

Parm is fried and has a million calories, so does caesar dressing.

We're all grown, we know how to watch our own calories.

Oh of course, somethings just have waaaay more calories than necessary. One of those things that surprise you.

Oh of course, somethings just have waaaay more calories than necessary. One of those things that surprise you.

Get a life!

Get a life!

Wow is that really necessary?????

Had a wonderful night tonight Thanks everyone for your kind responses...I was able to eat salad, bread 1 bagette or however it was spelled...and some chicken from the chicken pasta the lasagna was very soft so that went down ok and yes I had the calorie/fat filled terramasu... dont know how to spell that either!

Wow some people surprise me at how rude they can actually be. Anywhoo... My hubby took me to olive garden the other night for our valentines dinner. I thought right away it was going to be bad but since I can't eat salad yet we were able to get a bowl of soup instead so I had the chicken gnnochi soup omg so yummy! I was able to stay away from the bread but I did have half a glass of wine. Glad you were able to get out and enjoy it!

Glad you enjoyed your night out & were able to find something you were comfortable with for dinner.

Someone mentioned Olive Garden and i love it there. I've been there twice since surgery. I go very sparely on the salad due to the dressing and 1 breadstick - it's my treat for the week- but then they have an venetian apricot chicken item that comes with veggies, it's less than 400 calories. The lunch portion is even less.

A lot of times, i find it's just a matter of really taking a look at the menu and asking the server a few questions regarding items and surprise, there's one that fits perfectly for the occasion & there's usually always a veggie option for a side if that's what you like! We actually have a local place that bakes chicken parm. I also know that sometimes i overlook the little things when we go out, like the dressing or side dish and it's the hubby who says, "hey watch that, are you sure it's the best choice?" and sometimes he's right (good lord don't tell him i said that...LOL) and other times, i'm ok with my selection. We all walk a line that works for us. For someone to remind us of the calories in fried chicken parm or dressing, it doesn't mean much too me, as i've learned my way counting calories; however, i remember that i was new to the learning curve just a few short months ago and to another newly banded person getting their food portions under control, that little heads up could be a great help to them.

Good suggestions everyone. I actually have avoided Italian food since I am not eating pasta but sounds like there are some other great options. Glad the dinner went well for you! Sounds like you made some good choices and enjoyed a little treat too (which is good for all of us once in awhile)!

LOL really simmer down.

Lol, as a teacher - "baguette" and "tiramisu"!