Okay, guys. I need your learned assistance.

My Mother is visiting.. (ergo the Jaws music - or, if you prefer - a bit of Carl Orf)

She doesn't know I've had surgery. No one knows, apart from my Fiance. (My choice, and with very good reasons for keeping it from her)

Anyhooo... There will be a requirement to attend a very nice restaurant at some point, as we have something to Celebrate.

I will not be able to get out of this. I will, however, be able to select the restaurant.

Since being 'done', I have eaten out at mid-level eateries. However, I have been in the presence of fellow sleevers/RNY-ers or my Fiance. Consequently and in those circumstances, I can 'pick' at will and eat as little as I like without anyone turning a hair.

My Mother, is different.

She is a hawk-eye. She will undoubtedly notice in the first instance that I've shed a load of weight. This will undoubtedly result in her analysing everything I eat and drink - to make sure that I haven't got some secret disease or am pregnant or something.

She's an ex-nurse, incredibly bright and has 'street-smarts' - so I'm not going to be able to BS my way through this one very easily.

I have tried a variety of foods and some I can eat more of than others. Clearly, dense Protein is hefty and fills you up quickly. However, I need to find a meal that is light and in being so, allows me to fanny around with it over a period of time and look like I've eaten a 'decent' sized meal accordingly.

I can't order a starter and be done with it - it has to be a main meal. I would also look odd to order a salad - given that it is approaching zero degrees here.

I don't like a lot of fish (and she knows I'm not a fan, so to order it would appear out of character). And for reference, it would unlikely be a an asian/chinese/thai restaurant we'd go to - more French/European.

Any suggestions folks?

I'd be grateful for any inspiration -at all - 'cause I'm bamboozled and starting to freak out just a little bit.

I can just imagine the mini 'show down' in the restaurant if she even smelt the whiff of deception.... :ph34r:

The mother arrived. Looking quite old and very fragile. Statements in order of delivery: 'My God, you look beautiful'. "You keep a very nice house, Revs.' 'Whatever you're doing, you're doing really well. See, you don't need to think about surgery after all. <cue shame> If you can manage your food intake like you are, then you're doing it. You look stunning.' I love my Mum. I told her that I ate little and often and not to get on at me for eating little. I cooked and ate a roast chicken with all the trimmings this evening. They had normal portions. I had a smaller portion with all the veg, gravy, etc. She didn't say a word and 'cause there was gravy involved, I didn't feel 'stuck'. I did, however, feel like I needed a wee nap afterwards... 30 minutes later though, i was all good in the hood. Maybe a meal out won't be insurmountable after all. Thanks for the advice, folks x

dear sweet mom...always knows just where that shame button is! Enjoy your visit.

I'm so glad to hear it. Do keep us updated, Revs.

As a mom, I hope my kids never have to work to hide something from me. I know it isn't realistic -- all kids hide stuff, but I can still hope. Although, it is sweet that you are thinking of her health.

To help you, I highly recommend eating some slider foods to make it look like a more normal portion.

Rev, when you put out food put hers on a normal plate and yours on a side plate, the difference in portion size looks much less. I do this all the time at home and visitors have never made a comment.

Mom sounds like a sweetheart - hope you're enjoying your visit!