I'm 3.5 weeks post op and cleared to eat most things, as long as I take small bites and chew chew chew. But still, I was apprehensive about going out to eat. I'd read so many posts about people getting stuck when in a restaurant, or always scoping out where the restroom was in case they had to leave the table to bring something up.

But we had lunch out today and everything went really well! I'm so pleased! My restaurant experience was fantastic, notably because with my band, I don't have to be counting points or agonizing over the choice of restaurant (do they have low-cal options, big salads, a fruit plate, etc?) I so thrilled to be out of this "special diet" mentality (all while making band-appropriate choices, of course).

The biggest and greatest difference between eating out with a band and eating out while following a "traditional calorie-limiting diet" is I had no sense of deprivation before, during or after the meal. I ordered chicken breast with a balsamic vinegar reduction sauce, and a baked potato. I cut up my chicken into little pieces, swirled them around in the lovely sauce, and spooned out a bit of the potato from its skin. I could only eat 1/2 the portion (and portions where I live--in France--are small to begin with compared restaurant servings in the States) and it was perfect. (I gave the other half to my BF to avoid comments from the chef. This is not a good longterm strategy, however, because my BF does not need to be eating both his meal and 1/2 of mine.)

I left the table feeling completely satisfied and, more importantly, I really enjoyed what I ate. I didn't have to order the "lowest calorie option", nor pester the chef with a million requests ("no oil, no butter, just poach the chicken breast in Water for me please ").

If I ever had any doubt that I made the right choice for myself when I chose Lapband surgery, today's experience proved that this decision I made was a positive, life-enhancing one. How wonderful to eat a small amount, feel satisfied, and not leave the table saying to myself "Why can't I eat like everybody else?" Because with the band, I can. Just smaller portions.

Great post!!

Very inspirational! Thank you for sharing :-)

Thanks got letting me know I can feel normal !

Thank you for sharing, I am 3 weeks post op too and have shared meals with my hubby while eating out. I'm not afraid to get to go box and throw it away if I don't want it later.

So you didn't get a toy...... lol

Congrats! Eating out doesn't have to be stressful. I always bring half of my meal home, I either eat it for another meal or my chickens get a treat (& they love that).

I went an ate out for the first time as well today an believe me I was SCARED to death an nervous have heard so many stories if getting stuck was with my daughter an foster daughter an ate Mexican food. I had 1 cheese corn tortilla enchalida an I did fine, I'm trying to let my family know that this is a change for me an not deprive everyone of family outings an that I am no different no just eat less an slower.

Congrats!! That is also what I love about the band. I don't feel like I'm constantly deprived or on a diet. It feel like this is just how I eat and exercise now.