Ever since I started thinking about a sleeve, my biggest worry was, "Will I be able to lead a normal life again?". I see that question asked a hundred different ways in this forum. Let me add my experience.

I should mention that "normal" for me looks different than "normal" for most Americans. I get to a lot of places, and eat a lot of different foods. I was terrified that I would not be able to function in that lifestyle.

Today is my 6 week anniversary, and life started getting back to my "normal"

I am writing from my hotel in Singapore.

On this trip I have survived 3 airline meals, and 3 formal hosted Chinese dinners with 5 to 7 courses. I managed to get through it without insulting my kind hosts, or throwing up, I actually had some wonderful little morsels. I hit all of my Protein targets with 3 conventional meals and one Protein Bar a day. I didn't have to make a bunch of dietary demands, pack a ton if supplies, or turn my hotel into a "shake factory".

Tonight I had a few treasured hours to myself, so I went to my favorite Hawker Center where I have spent many hours sitting with friends and locals surrounded by the smoke and clamor of a bunch of busy Satay stands.

I managed to eat a few of my favorite Satay and some of my favorite Sambal Stingray.

I just wanted to assure people that life post-sleeve does not have to be bleak or ordinary. These are actually "soft" foods. (OK the satay is marginal but I get promoted next week).

I really miss the cold Tiger Beer that goes with this meal, but I know I will back to that eventually. In the mean time I am down 53 lbs and feel great.

This has been a great life-altering decision for me, and I did not have to give up much at all.

I hope the attached photos make it through.

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I'm going to Greece for my first time in early October and knowing you've travelled a ton' date=' let me know if you have any great suggestions! I'll be about 6-7 weeks out. Thanks so much for the hope! [/quote']

There is some amazing seafood in Greece. Grilled whole fish down by the Port in Athens is extraordinary. The Tavernas have lovely small dishes (Mezze) that are sleeve-sized. There will be a lot of fried seafood, it will be hard to avoid that. There are also plenty of carbs --but some good carbs. If you get away from the tourist spots you will find lots of cooked greens. Just like real Chinese meals, there is always a plate of greens on the table.

Breakfast involves breads, Greek yogurt, fruit, honey, and insanely concentrated coffee. Not easy for a sleeve except for the yogurt.

Beware the Cypriot-style Mezze places. They automatically serve the whole menu to every guest. The only choice is the wine. Great if you are in a big group where you could pick and choose, ugly if you are alone or a couple.

Grilled Halloumi cheese with tomato is fantastic and high Protein (just skip the pita). Sometimes you see that at breakfast. It could be a lifesaver.

Braised lamb and goat are often easy to find.

I hope that helps.

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Thanks for the great info! I'll be going to Thailand over Thanksgiving and I was so worried! I'll be about 10 weeks out from surgery (Sept. 11th) when I visit. It's really rice and noodle oriented' date=' but they also have great seafood and other Protein items like satays too. Another worry I have is insulting family by not eating what is offered. Almost all my husband's family lives there and we have to make the rounds to see them. This inevitably means food and drink being offered at every stop! At least I don't think it will be hard to resist them, just don't want to offend! We usually go every year, so I better have a plan. Any advice is welcome : )[/quote']

It sounds like seafood will be your savior there. The family stuff will be tough. In Singapore my hosts were gracious and accommodating, but outside a business setting it will be harder. I have no idea how you to decline things at a family table. In that environment, if grandma offers me bugs, I would eat the bugs and ask for seconds. That will be tough with a sleeve and worries me as well.

By 10 weeks, your weight-loss will be so obvious, they might be so happy for you that they will let things slide.

I ran into one interesting problem in SE Asia. I told my colleagues that I had had some "stomach surgery" and could not eat much. That caused them to automatically assume I could not eat fish. Apparently Asians never eat fish if their stomach is not well. They go with rice.

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It sounds like seafood will be your savior there. The family stuff will be tough. In Singapore my hosts were gracious and accommodating' date=' but outside a business setting it will be harder. I have no idea how you to decline things at a family table. In that environment, if grandma offers me bugs, I would eat the bugs and ask for seconds. That will be tough with a sleeve and worries me as well.

By 10 weeks, your weight-loss will be so obvious, they might be so happy for you that they will let things slide.

I ran into one interesting problem in SE Asia. I told my colleagues that I had had some "stomach surgery" and could not eat much. That caused them to automatically assume I could not eat fish. Apparently Asians never eat fish if their stomach is not well. They go with rice.

Sent from my iPad using VST[/quote']

I love seafood, so that part is great. I think I'll have to let everyone know I had surgery. Maybe I can keep the focus on my children (ages 3 and 9 months).

Thanks for the info on the fish and rice....I'll have to be careful how I phrase my situation.

I can't wait to go back to Thailand and not have people stare at me because of how fat I am. They used to stare at me for other reasons (very white skin and height) that are much more okay with me.