So I've been a hermit since surgery 3/20/12 because so much of my former life was surrounded by food I've been afraid of going out without being able to eat. The girls have convinced me to go out for a girls night and I'm really excited about it...mainly b/c it's a movie. I LOVE popcorn and have never really seen any movie without stuffing it in my face. I'm worried that I'll go through withdrawals so I've been thinking what can I take instead that will satisfy that desire but not leave me feeling guilty and possibly in the hospital...any suggestions?

Um what can you eat? I take almonds and jelly bellys. I eat my almonds then allow myself a few Beans but I wouldnt recommend that.

Maybe a Protein bar or a smoothie? I used to sneak in so much food to the movies. Once I even took chips and salsa hahaha

Take some pork rinds in your purse and a Protein drink...... both have protein and that "crunch" (if you can have it) on the pork rinds feels like a bad movie theatre food lol. Remember, there is NO nutritional value in popcorn. Doesn't help whenever you smell it. I'm so dreading the movies for that reason, I will soooo miss popcorn. Stay strong and good luck! (sorry if my idea wasn't wonderful... but omg is there anything decent at the movie theatres??? i mean what ARE the hot dogs made of? if worse comes to it and you put any popcorn in your mouth, don't swallow it.... just get the flavor and spit it out...? it sorta dissolves and one kernel would be enough for me, i'd hope lol) Don't risk a leak.

Just concentrate on the movie and spending time with friends. And remember, you aren't alone... these challenges are the same for all of us (I too have been avoiding anywhere out to eat or social, but my first "outing" is this thursday. If nothing else, I'll sit and drink sips of Water while everyone else eats I guess.....)

Don't associate food with entertainment. Eat before you go n just enjoy the movie.

I went to see titanic I thought I was going to have a hard time. But I did just fine. Took my Protein shake and that was that. U are stronger than the food.

Also I totally walked by the concession stand. Sigh. You will be fine.

What about Popchips? I mean, I wouldn't eat.them everyday but they are.definitely better than movie popcorn! They.come in lots of flavors & have 15g of carbs per single serving bag, but.there's no way you'd be able.to eat.a whole bag, even the individual size. Well, maybe you could actually since they are probably a slider. That said, beware!! If you want more info on where to buy them, flavors & nutritional info go to popchips.com Good luck!! You CAN do this!!

I've gone to the show twice. The popcorn smell didn't even appeal to me......and I DO love my popcorn.....or I should say, "DID"..... I took a EAS drink the first time and just water the second time. What is nice is that my two girlfriend never get popcorn.....so that makes it easier. FYI, I think popcorn is a real NO NO for sleevers.

Veggie sticks (puffy, chip-like veggie things)-like a small baggie full- or a big old dill pickle! YUM. Best part- pickles are a freebee if you can handle the sodium!

_{We went to the movies last week and i was still on liquids the kids and my boyfriend all had popcorn and nachos but i was fine not evan temoted. We all went to pizza hut last night for dinner again i could not have anything but we had a great time i just sipped my water. We used to go out and eat alot but i have found my self being a better cook at home . The other day i mad pulled pork and the hole family thought i bought it . So i think my sleeve is making me into a better cook because whats the use to go out and eat all the time if i can't eat it yet.}

I've had popcorn several times since my surgery because I am/was a popcorn addict. I limit myself to one of the 100 calorie microwave packs a week and only if I've been good during the week with exercise and eating. I may catch heat for this comment but, I had surgery so I could eat a little of everything I love. I know a lot of people won't do that until after they are at goal, but I don't want getting to goal to be miserable so I allow myself to enjoy some popcorn. I'm prepared and willing for whatever consequences there may be from my eating it. Good luck

I agree that there's something to the idea of breaking the habit of associating food and entertainment. I still have a hard time not getting a snack at the movie theater because it's an ingrained habit.

That said, you have any number of options. I wouldn't do popcorn yet but it's not gone forever - just until you heal. If it's the hand-to-mouth motion you'll miss grab a drink instead of food (ice Water in a cup with a straw works great) and if you want an actual snack just pick something crunchy that fits in what you're permitted to eat right now. Veggies wouldn't have set well with me at that point and I wouldn't go after chips for the same reason I'd avoid popcorn (sharp, pointy things that get could stuck in a sleeve that's new) but yes, pork rinds could work. If it were me? I'd go eat dinner first and enjoy a bowl of Soup for dinner and sip water or something else during the show.

But only because you're still healing! Eat like a regular person later and you'll be happier, I promise.

~Cheri

OH OH!!! Suck on some sugar free hard candies! Those have gotten me through the toughest times!

I'm voting for the pork rinds. They come in several flavors. You can even get the microwave kind. My daddy loves those. It's just like a bag of popcorn. You put it in the micro and it puffs up hot and fresh. He likes the hot ones, but I would have to go for the regular. I can't do hot anymore. Good luck and have fun

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Yeah, Dooter is right. I love the SF werthers candies.

Thanks you guys. I loved your ideas. I think I will try the pork rinds and stash some string cheese in my purse. I will make sure to eat before I go though. I don 't want to associate food with entertainment but after doing it for so long it's kinda ingrained in me. It is something I am diligently working on though ;0)

I hafta say... I'm glad you asked this question! I learned from quite a few ppl's responses. For instance, I didn't know there were microwaveable pork rinds! Awesome!

Let us know how it goes! I've said prayers for you and wish you and easy and thoroughly enjoyable time!