How to avoid awkwardness during group meals?

[Dizzeepinkee 72]

I think everyone is missing a golden opportunity here. She could go the route of the "cross-fitters" and "vegans" and tell EVERYONE, whether they want to hear about it or not.

[CBT 450]

Is it really anyone's business what you're eating or not eating?

"No, thank you" works really well.

Eat what you want and leave the rest.

These opportunities are such an important part of recovering from disordered eating.

[DavidOso 272]

Why lie? Truth has a way of showing its' face one way or another. Be PROUD of what you are doing(saving your life!). You don't have to go into details..."I just had bariactric surgery and I have changed my eating habits." Answer any questions that are in your comfort zone. No questions...they can google "bariactric" in between sets! You are still pre op, so how you wrap your head around this can and will change as you get closer to surgery and after. Mine certainly did. I don't advertise, but I also don't lie. I have a group of people who will come up to me and whisper in my ear,"How many pounds lost now?" (I will supply pounds lost, usually NOT current weight!) I reply in a conversational tone. Not really worried if anyone overhears. Sometimes it starts a conversation like, "I've been thinking about doing something like this, can you tell me about it?" or "My niece just had surgery and she is struggling, any ideas?" THIS IS A GIFT, and the best gifts are shared! As far as what to eat...when in doubt of what there will be for me to eat, I bring my own. I know calories, grams of Protein, and portion size--the big three. It makes food tracking much easier for the day and I don't risk over "eyeballing" a portion. Good Luck.

[rubia72 200]

Just say you've decided to go on a high Protein low carb diet & at dinner bring a Premier Protein shake & Water, sip sip sip:) and of course be polite and let everyone know you'll gladly share your awful shake with them;-).