My future in-laws (who don't know I recently had a lapband put in), my fiancee and my mom and I had been planning to go to Babbo (Mario Batali's Restaurant) for Christmas for awhile. I didn't know my surgery would be before this trip, but it was on Wednesday. I was super worried I wouldn't be able to eat anything, would look like a freak, and would throw up.

But not so!!! I had 4 courses - 1 teaspoon each really

One teaspoon of each of these - eaten in many tiny bites

• 1st course: seasoned mozzarella cheese (mashed with fork)
  
• 2nd course: pureed beef ravioli filling
  
• 3rd course: branzini (fish) in onion broth
  
• 4th course: olive oil ice cream
  

I am so proud and happy that I was able to go out and make good choices with my new lapband. Ice cream is a strict no-no so I certainly won't make it a habit, but this was my only big night this season.

Also I woke up this morning to find I've lost 17lbs since started the 2 week pre-op liquid diet.

Good times with my band. Now I just want this gas to go away!!!

Good for you!!! My husband is a huge fan of Mario Batali. We have never been to any of his restaurants but I bet the food was delicious. Glad you were able to find something on the menu. That is the one thing I worry about.

You should definitely go! If you're still in the mushie stage cutting the corner of ravioli and squishing it out the inside works really well. Fish is easily mushed and mozzarella is a good bet. It definitely doesn't meet the healthy requirements, but at least you don't over eat or throw up. I also planned everything before I went by looking at the online menu.

We've been to Otto & Babbo in NYC and B&B Ristorante in Las Vegas. All have been amazing.

Lucky you for being able to move to mushies so quickly. It just amazes me how doctors vary on their instructions.... It just makes this all So confusing.

Congrats on making good decisions.

You are very lucky. My surgeon, who also, did lapband on both my kids and son-in-law, makes us do clear liquids for 10 days and full liquids for 10 days before moving to mushy. My son-in-law has just moved to mushies this week after surgery on Nov. 30. Best wishes and congrats on a successful trip to the restuarant

Thanks FLORIDAYS!

Yes it's so weird! I did 2 weeks pre-op liquid, liquids only on surgery day, and then I could go right into mushies. Maybe because I was outpatient and didn't have a stay in the hospital.

Haven't had any problems with it either! It's really nice to be able to have something with a little texture, like delicious cottage cheese and hummus which are my favorite.

Congrats to you on your AMAZING weight loss!

kll724 It is so weird the different directions people get. Honesty I think I could happily do 20 more days of liquid considering I have absolutely no appetite... but it's nice to get some variety.

Congrats to you and all of your family!

Thanks FLORIDAYS!

Yes it's so weird! I did 2 weeks pre-op liquid, liquids only on surgery day, and then I could go right into mushies. Maybe because I was outpatient and didn't have a stay in the hospital.

Haven't had any problems with it either! It's really nice to be able to have something with a little texture, like delicious cottage cheese and hummus which are my favorite.

Congrats to you on your AMAZING weight loss!

thanks very much. I too was out patient... So I think it's each surgeons preference... Or the way they were trained... I don't know but I had liquids for 2 weeks before, 2 weeks after until I could move to mushies so I am serious when I say lucky you!!! LOL

Congratulations!!! Feels great to be in control!!! Doesn't it? Keep up the great work!

thanks very much. I too was out patient... So I think it's each surgeons preference... Or the way they were trained... I don't know but I had liquids for 2 weeks before, 2 weeks after until I could move to mushies so I am serious when I say lucky you!!! LOL

I think the difference in surgeons (which is ALWAYS going to happen... I know, I work for 8 of them.. lol) does differ so much and I think that can be the most confusing and frustrating when you read some of the post. My doc too we could do mushies after a day or 2 on liquids post op but sometimes when people post.. they get critical when they read that some has done this or done something their doc didn't say do. I think you, FLORIDAYS have said this numerous times and I think it is sooo true.... You should ALWAYS follow the advice of YOUR doctor (and hope they are right... LOL).