First Time Out

[sandy.lyons 5]

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.

[mylynn1377 93]

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!

[Boniluuu 25]

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

[Lilbelly 31]

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.

[sandy.lyons 5]

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.

[honk 780]

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.

[spoiltmom 44]

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

[sandy.lyons 5]

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

[NWgirl 574]

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.