We went out to dinner tonight. I think I did very well. I had mini-portabella mushrooms stuffed with goat cheese (off the appetizer menu) and smashed sweet potatoes. I was full but didn't feel like I had over eaten. I know going out can be tricky.

Congrats on eating right! It's hard to resist some of the bad/yummies when you go out. What I've been doing on my gung-ho pre/pre-op diet is figuring out where we are going to eat and seeing if the place has a nutrition guide online. That way I can see what the cal, fat, carb, damage will be before ever going. If I have a plan of attack I will stick with through the temptation of melty cheese and garlic bread!

First time I went out I was scared. The sizes of the plates and also gettimg food stuck. Lol

Sandy congrats on going out! Is your band filled yet? I haven't gone out to dinner yet, but the time will come. Did it take you longer to eat? For some reason I don't take 45 min. eating, like I was told we are supposed to. I can eat pretty normally. I a not filled yet though, just banded 2 weeks ago.

No, Libelly, I have not had a fill yet. I have only had my band for 10 days. The book they told me to read says I should eat for 20 minutes - 20 bites, 20 minutes per bit, equals 20 minutes - ha ha! I hope I don't take 45 minutes because when August rolls around I will be a teacher again and 45 minute lunches would be a dream come true. Between talking, etc., it took me about 30 minutes.

The plate size wasn't bad because I ordered from the appetizer menu so the plate was small. Then I had a side order of mashed sweet potatoes which came in a small bowl.

The only thing I didn't do well on was drinking tea during my meal. I think when I have a fill, I am suppose to not drink liquids when eating so that it takes a bit longer to push the food through the band. But for the first time, it wasn't bad.

Let me know how everyone else does.

Even with no fills you should not be drinking while eating. I do drink right up to my first bite but then wait an hour before drinking again.

Most doctors say you should take no more than 30 minutes to eat a meal. The longer you take the more time food has to move through the band and you will be able to eat more.

When I eat out I literally seperate the food into two halves (I find the healthier your food options the smaller the portions). I eat half and then ask for a to go container.

You definitely have to stop drinking while eating. That will sabotage your weight loss efforts.

I know I am not suppose to drink while eating but luckily I have not had a fill yet.

I know I am not suppose to drink while eating but luckily I have not had a fill yet.

I would just nip that habit right away, regardless of if you've had a fill or not. It is possible that your pouch is working ever so slightly but you are washing the food down. I was told after I was off the post-OP liquid diet, i needed to not drink with meals.