I'm only 3 weeks out and by no way can even play like I eat like a normal person. I've been coming up with all kinds of excuses, but it's hard. At a dinner the other night, I sat and drank Water and just tried to be active in the conversation. I'm in NYC, a brunch city, so it's becoming frequent. Do you just move things around? I seriously feel my restriction when it's anything but water (I'm allowed softs, but it's not enjoyable).

I come up with good alcohol excuses, but I know people are wondering what's up with the food.

Do the people you go out with know about the surgery? I am not out much further than you, about 6 weeks. I have not made a secret of my surgery. So it has not been an issue except, WHAT TO DO WHILE EVERYONE IS EATING? I will usually order soup or something soft. If they don't know, you can always say you already ate, feeling a little under the weather or just not really hungry. I am guessing you are like me and really like to go out for the company. I am sure your friends are the same and just want your company. Good luck!

Thanks! Yep, I really enjoy the company of my friends, but I kept this tidbit to myself. There is a plus, I get a lot of Water intake when I hang with them!

I've told people I've cut out sugar and starches, and therefore am eating mostly at home, since being a vegetarian, this greatly restricts the kinds of things I can find in restaurants. But I've also said that I still wanna socialize and they shouldn't feel weird eating around me. It's been fine so far. I also just get soup or tea or coffee or something (my surgeon said coffee is fine, but I know that's not the case for everyone).

Can you survive a few weeks without all the social dining? Things will get much better, but at only three weeks...you are subjecting yourself to unnecessary (anxiety?). At three weeks, what exactly can you eat out there except maybe soup or very soft stuff (applesauce?) I can't remember.

If you must be out/about, just say you're watching your portions and just order whatever, for it to come with everyone else's entree. And in the meantime, sit and talk more to keep your mouth busy, if need be. Just a thought.

I've told people I've cut out sugar and starches, and therefore am eating mostly at home, since being a vegetarian, this greatly restricts the kinds of things I can find in restaurants. But I've also said that I still wanna socialize and they shouldn't feel weird eating around me. It's been fine so far. I also just get soup or tea or coffee or something (my surgeon said coffee is fine, but I know that's not the case for everyone).

I really like this!

Can you survive a few weeks without all the social dining? Things will get much better, but at only three weeks...you are subjecting yourself to unnecessary (anxiety?). At three weeks, what exactly can you eat out there except maybe soup or very soft stuff (applesauce?) I can't remember.

If you must be out/about, just say you're watching your portions and just order whatever, for it to come with everyone else's entree. And in the meantime, sit and talk more to keep your mouth busy, if need be. Just a thought.

Different strokes for different folks, I suppose. I get down/anxious if all I do is walk and sit around my house. I am going to tell people about my restrictions and that they should feel perfectly fine eating around me - I like that idea.

I was sleeved on May 29th and just went to dinner with friends. I ordered the French onion soup without the bread. I told my friends I was off carbs. Not sure what I will do next weekend at a party where everyone will be drinking.

When I was early post op and went out with friends I ordered tomato soup. I could sip on it for a long time because "it's really hot ;)" As far as being with people that are drinking you can simply say you are watching calories and alcohol is full of calories. Or make your own virgin mixed drink and no one will know the difference. Glass of pineapple juice or cranberry juice diluted with water if you want to cut the calories. No need to be a hermit. I'm over a year out and my husband and kids are the only one that know about my surgery. My thought is that I want to enjoy life, not hide from it because I've had a personal surgery that I don't care to share with anyone.

When I was early post op and went out with friends I ordered tomato soup. I could sip on it for a long time because "it's really hot ;)" As far as being with people that are drinking you can simply say you are watching calories and alcohol is full of calories. Or make your own virgin mixed drink and no one will know the difference. Glass of pineapple juice or cranberry juice diluted with Water if you want to cut the calories. No need to be a hermit. I'm over a year out and my husband and kids are the only one that know about my surgery. My thought is that I want to enjoy life, not hide from it because I've had a personal surgery that I don't care to share with anyone.

Haha! That is what I totally say about alcohol - too much sugar and calories and I am planning my end of summer vacation. Works like a charm. I like the soup ideas so long as they're not chock full of extras or creamy.

I hear you on enjoying life! That's important to me!

Great ideas everyone - thanks!