Wow, I have something to share! Yesterday, I picked up my mom from the airport (she's in town for the weekend) and she wanted to go out for lunch. Err.. I haven't been out to eat since I started the pre-op diet. I was a nervous wreck. I knew I wasn't going to eat anything I shouldn't but my fear was that smelling and seeing all those foods I used to be addicted to would bring back the cravings. Being a people watcher (my all time favorite hobby), I knew I wasn't going to be able to avoid seeing people enjoying what I couldn't have. Eating out used to be my way of life.

Well, we walked into Red Robin and there they were.. all these people feeding on huge burgers. I watched in amazement as they somehow unhinged their jaws to fit their gaping mouths around these monstrous globs of food… Their cheeks bulging as they smiled and chewed with mayonnaise covered lips. Every plate of food I saw delivered to the tables seemed heaping with enough to feed 3 people.

What I expected to trigger longing and cravings actually was excellent therapy - for me. I ordered iced tea with lemon and a cup of chili - no cheese, no onions, and no crackers. Mom ordered a bowl of chili. The server looked at us like we were nuts.. “That’s –all- you want?” *laughs* When the food arrived it was served with a large round soup spoon, I requested a regular spoon. Mom and I thoroughly enjoyed our chili, and we sat in Red Robin for 3 1/2 hours drinking tea and enjoying a wonderful visit.

As I walked out, I felt an enormous victory in my life and I remembered so many of you saying "Make your dining out time about the people you are with, not about the food." I smiled and walked out feeling so good, rather than being disgusted with myself and feeling so uncomfortably gorged. What a huge victory in my life!

YOU ROCk!!!

I am supposed to go "out" with my Sis in laws on the 11th and I'm already thinking about what to do.

You've inspired me girlfriend!!!

Congratulations! Isn't it great to spend time doing something that's not centered around FOOD? It's amazing how so much of our lives are centered on food - holidays, etc? It's great to spend time with people and enjoy their company! Great NSV!