So the AWESOME non sleeve related news is that I got tickets to the Oprah show with three of my other girlfriends. I AM BEYOND EXCITED! So what is the problem huh....?

I have not 'outed' myself as a WLS patient to anyone except three people (who are not part of the trip). We are likely going to go to Chicago for two nights, and make it a total girl trip. My 'typical' girl trip involves hitting up a RIDIC awesome restaurant and having some INSANELY DELICIOUS food. And since I am such a foodie- the expectations would be there.

Also, it will be week five for me after the op. My doctor has instructed me to have clears until todays, full liquids next two weeks and purees the week after, and then the week that I am going to the show will be the first one of Solids.

Am i over thinking this? Will it be OK? What can I eat without telling anyone anything? What 'temporary conditions' can I say I have that are making me not eat much?

Buy everyone a round of drinks and tell them you have an announcement. Let them know how brave you are and how happy you are. Let them celebrate it with you. They will be happy for you, as the mood is already festive. Then let Oprah know and maybe she will do an entire show with you!!

Best of luck and happiness!

I don't know if I am ready to tell people i took this step. One person I spoke with prior was not for it at all. Seeing that I am considered a light-weight, (but knew I was heading there, and knew that the co-morbidities would be following me) I feel like there is extra judgment for taking this route instead of exercising/eating well- and lord knows- I TRIED!

Is there any way to survive dinner with people without telling them you have a teeny little stomach?

Yes, order only a drink and an appetizer and tell them you're on a diet and watching your weight. If they're friends, they're probably used to you dieting. They will be chowing down and not caring what you aren't eating.

Tell them you have an upset stomach probably from nerves. Order soup and eat it slowly.

I agree with ordering soup, or a small appetizer of something that you know you can tolerate. Steer clear of fried foods, or overly oily foods. I had a problem with sauteed foods early out on the "regular food" post-op diet. I would get what you know you can tolerate, and if anyone asks tell them you are back on the bandwagon to better health.

I know not everyone is comfortable with sharing their decision. I've received a lot of support by sharing my experience, but some people are just truly ignorant especially when they've never "battled the bulge".

Good luck and congrats on getting to see Oprah.

yeah, soup and small appetizer would be great and if your questioned just let them know you started a diet a while back and don't want to destroy it right now, but want to have tons of fun! that might work. . . if they insist you eat, eat, eat, just smile and say no. . .good luck

Thank you guys for the pointers. I really appreciate it. I actually went out to after-pedicure dinner with a friend of mine today, and told her. It is getting easier telling people.

ps. dinner was some tomato basil soup (and I had only 1/4 of a cup in a half hour)

That's great that you got those tickets. I lived in Chicago and I couldn't get tickets. They told me the waiting list would take years.