Am 2 weeks post op with my RNY and I feel like a freaking shut in! My friends invite me out, but 90% of their outings include going out to eat. I can't stand just sitting there and watching other people eat. And there is pretty much nothing I can eat at this point. It's not like I can bring my own food to the restaurant. How do you all deal with this?!

When my bf wanted to go out to eat, we chose to go to a food court where I could take my own food. He took my daughter to Dairy Queen for lunch one day as well, and I ate my cheese stick before going in, and drank water while they ate. I enjoyed the conversation.

If you want an outing that doesn't involve food, invite them somewhere. Like a walk in the park? A movie?

I just planned on not going out for a while. This was important for my pouch to heal. My first outing, I made sure we went to a place where I could have clear broth. Ordered chicken noodle soup with no noodles. My friends were very understanding. Go to a movie, a park, walking, walking around a mall.

My family is coming down to visit a few a days this week. I am in the soft phase. They had me pick out a restaurant that I can eat at. I chose ruby tuesday. I looked at their menu online and they have a dinner with tilapia and shrimp that I can eat. I am just going to have them leave off the parmesan sauce. I am nervous about getting dumping syndrome in public. So far, nothing I have ate has given it to me but I don't think I want to take the chance. This is the first time in my life that I have been scared to go out to eat. Good luck with your weight loss journey!!!

In the early stages I was very open and honest with everyone and just told them I wasn't interested in going to the bars or going out to eat.

Everyone was very understanding and willing to compromise. Bowling, Movies, Hiking, Fishing, etc... all gave the opportunity to get out and have fun without feeling like people were taunting me with their food.

Once I hit week 7 and could start "real food" it became a non-issue and I could simply go along with whatever the plans were.

You can eat at places like ihop or waffle house. A scrambled egg is easy protein and can last quite a few bites to stretch out your social time.