How do you handle going out to eat with friends, specifically to a buffet? I've never been a huge overeater at a buffet (maybe 3 slices of pizza at a pizza buffet), but once I'm banded, it'll be even less. I still want to Be included when friends go to lunch but I'm not sure how to manage a buffet. I hate to pay $10-$20 for one cup of food!

The truth is you can not eat 10/20 dollars worth of food, a cup of food is your limit. You can make good choices on a buffet , you can eat slow, and enjoy your friends but unless they are serving lobster you can not get your $$ worth.

I just do not go to buffets very often, but I did happen to go to one Friday night I had my favorite food LAPBAND CRACK , mashed potaoes and gravy yum... I picked at the steak, fish and a rib.. and I indulged in a shared cotton candy. When we left I suggested a walk through town and everyone said Yes because they ate way to much and were stuffed even the skinny ones some things are priceless.

Any good ideas for snacks in your purse when your still on stage 3 (mushies)?

Alot of buffets or restaurants that have buffets, also have menu's with soup, salad, etc.

I hate going to buffets. I feel like I may as well be flushing cash down the toilet because I definitely don't get my money's worth.

With that said, I do still go when it's part of a group meal. I just stick to the salad bar mostly. If I spot some baked chicken or fish, I'll have a small piece of that too.

I only go to buffets when I'm going with friends, because it is a big waste of money. That being said, though, I always pull out my lapband card that says I've had weight loss surgery and to please let me order a child's portion. I haven't been turned down yet. I feel a lot better about wasting $5 or $6 than $10 or $12!

I think you have to focus on quality rather than quantity.

We went to a very upmarket restaurant for lunch on Saturday for my sons 18th. I knew that I wasn't going to be able to eat my moneys worth but I also knew that as we would be there for a couple of hours I would be able to eat far more than I should. I have had my band for 3 years so unfortunately I now know how to eat around it! In the early stages when you are focusing on losing you definitely need to try to pick places that are going to work for you.If faced with a buffet walk around first and look at the food. Think about your choices and pick things that are special and will satisfy you. For instance on Saturday I ignored the roasts as i can make those at home myself and concentrated instead on the wonderful fresh sashimi and prawns.

I tend to avoid buffets now. And when I do go, I ask if they provide a discount for those who have had WLS. Like stated before, i feel better wasting less money this way.