Ok...so the date is set.

Hi All,

I've been scouring the Forum for the past 3 months...ever since I first stepped into the clinic to get some info. Long story short: I'm through my testing and filling out of countless forms and my surgery date is scheduled for end of June.

While I was waiting on the insurance decision, this was a bit surreal: reading other people's stories, learning about the band, nutrition, constraints. Glad to say that nothing I've read so far has scared me enough to not continue Now that the surgery date is approaching, I'm starting to feel a bit antsy. Not about the surgery itself - I can handle scalpels, needles and doctors - but about life after the surgery.

Food (or lack thereof) I can handle...just the whole concept of integrating my new lifestyle into my daily life seems a bit daunting. At home it's easy: I can chug a protein shake or cook up a bit of something....but I'm on the road 5 days a week. I'm expected to go out and entertain clients, co-workers, etc. I'm not exactly inclined to share with strangers my medical/life choices - so I'm trying to see if there are any road-warriors out there who are in a similar situation. How do you handle the expectations of going out? What can I eat at a steakhouse that isn't going to kill me or ruin the band (besides the mashed potatoes)?

Anyway - just thought I'd say hi...ask around....

Thanks,

Ishmael