For those of you who are pre-op or newly post op, don't fear a lifetime of never, ever again being able to eat out.

Tonight I am heading to a Mexican restaurant. I actually eat out fairly often. I will order something that I want to eat and I will really enjoy whatever I order. However, I will consider healthier alternatives. I won't need to eat a half of a basket of chips before my food even arrives.

I lost 75 lbs within the first 5 months and my weight has pretty much found a set point at 145 lbs. I still have 20 more lbs to go to goal, but at 7 months out now, I have a lifetime left to get there. I have not lost any weight in the last 6 weeks an that is ok. There is no emergency rush to get to some point at light speed. It will be a lifetime of balance from now on. It is VERY doable with vsg.

You CAN and will find a balance between being more mindful of food options and a normal lifestyle. Food funerals really aren't necessary. You will eat again You will enjoy food again. You may find that you have different preferences and that foods you previously were addicted to are no longer nearly as tempting.

Thanks so much for the inspiration, Delta. I can't wait!

I'm still pre-op, but I have been trying to start eating now more like I will need to post-op & forevermore. Of course, the volume will change, but at least I can start getting used to less carbs & stuff like that. I went out to brunch this morning & ordered a beautiful meal...ropa vieja (mexican beef & pork stew) with poached eggs & chimichurri sauce. It's normally served over a biscuit, but I asked them to hold it. I skipped the bread basket, too. The meal came with some lovely greens as a bonus. I always eat slowly, and I found that I was full about 2/3 of the way through. I asked the waiter to remove my plate right away, so I didn't sit there & keep picking. The hubs & I shared an awesome dessert, Chocolate Olive Oil Pot au Creme with sea salt & marcona almonds. I had about 3-4 bites & let him have the rest. Sure, I could've eaten it all, but I made a CHOICE not to...and there's power in that for me. After our meal, I was perfectly happy & satisfied. I don't expect the sleeve to do all the work for me, so I want to start living some of those better choices now. Thanks for the inspiration!