This is my first post, so excuse me if I break any rules!

Ok. My Sister is getting married this year and her bachelorette party is April 28th. I had my surgery Feb. 25th, so I will be on solid foods by then but barely. I am really nervous about eating and definetly about drinking. Any tips or suggestions?

I did try to get out of the trip but it caused A LOT of drama, so I am going. No choice.

I wouldn't recommend drinking at all. I was told no alcohol until 3 months post-op. You might want to consult with your doctor or nutritionist if you weren't already given specific guidelines.

As for eating, if you are on solids by then, it shouldn't be too bad. Pick high Protein choices from the appetizer menu or share an entree with someone. When in doubt you could always go with something like chili.

I went to a wedding in NOLA recently, so I know exactly what you'll be facing. Here's what I did, and it worked....

• Don't drink alcohol, just like @@JamieLogical said. Not only is it unwise this close to surgery, but it's empty calories that can encourage you to make other bad choices.
• Don't eat carbs. This is your new lifestyle! And here's a little secret.... New Orleans food tastes even better when the flavor isn't diluted by rice or Pasta. I order gumbo, red Beans, shrimp creole, and my favorite, crawfish etoufee without the rice, and it's fantastic!!! Try the etoufee at "The Gumbo Shop" in the Quarter.
• At the wedding, there will probably be a buffet. Just put Protein (meat and beans) on your plate and nothing else. If you're still hungry, go back for some green vegetables. By then you'll be stuffed.
• Don't eat the cake or dessert. Sorry. Just don't. The sooner we break our addiction to sugar, the easier the rest of the journey will be.
• Have blast, and feel proud about making good choices. That's much better than the guilt you will feel if you make poor decisions.
• And if anyone tries to pressure you to eat or drink something you shouldn't.... Just thank them for their concern, but you're eating more healthfully now.
• And dance like the slender person you'll soon be!

Good luck! You can do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have found that if you don't make a fuss and order something small and juat pick at it that nobody notices. People will notice if you have an empty plate or if you make a fuss. But just get an appetizer. Alcohol has never been an issue. I dont find it that hard not to drink. If there is social pressure to drink then get one drink and just nurse it all night, or get a drink without alcohol

Thanks! This is great advice. @@Rogofulm I was told by my doctor that I could not eat shrimp or any shellfish until 6 months out - so hopefully I can find some chicken based foods. I do think I will have some pressure to drink - so I think ordering a drink and not drinking it will be pretty easy. I did that at a work function recently and no one noticed! LOL! Thanks everyone!

Edited March 10, 201610 yr by LollieC

Thanks! This is great advice. @@Rogofulm I was told by my doctor that I could not eat shrimp or any shellfish until 6 months out - so hopefully I can find some chicken based foods. I do think I will have some pressure to drink - so I think ordering a drink and not drinking it will be pretty easy. I did that at a work function recently and no one noticed! LOL! Thanks everyone!

No shellfish for 6 months?!?! I would have DIED! I didn't have any restriction on shellfish. In fact, I was allowed crab salad in my soft foods phase. Think I even had some lobster bisque in my full liquids phase....

I knoww he is super stingy! I also cant have red meats, hamburger, celery, asparagus, oranges, pineapple, grapes (raw), popcorn or nuts, rice or Pasta and no doughy breads (toast ok!)

See why I am nervous about travel?

I just went to on a bachelorette trip and was able to find food at restaurants. I also took protein bars as backup just in case.

No shellfish for six months? Shrimp was higy recommended by my nutritionist as soft food at three weeks

I knoww he is super stingy! I also cant have red meats, hamburger, celery, asparagus, oranges, pineapple, grapes (raw), popcorn or nuts, rice or Pasta and no doughy breads (toast ok!)

See why I am nervous about travel?

I wonder what the reasoning is there. Everything you listed was on my no-no list until 3 months post-op, except the shellfish and red meat. Not sure why he'd want you to hold off on those since they are such good sources of Protein.

I know what you mean. I'm a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding in NOLA in June, three months post op to the day almost. I'm nervous, too. Im more so concerned about the alcohol restriction since this is a 3 day long extravaganza. I'll just have to pace myself with the shots. I already know I won't partake in any mixed drinks because of the sugar and cals. I'll just pick off the many meals that will be provided and have my high protein snacks in my purse. It sucks but I'll still have loads of fun.

Planning, planning, planning.... is the key. Know in advance what you're going to do in every scenario. Pack enough Protein drinks in your checked luggage to carry you through. Drink one before going into every social event so you won't arrive hungry. Brink your own drinks, too. I used to bring a cooler with a jug of Crystal Light to parties. If you have a healthy snack food you like, bring that along too. Here's the thing... it's okay to actively manage your food/drink intake at parties. Remember – your program is your priority. Proceed with confidence!!!

Travel tip: If you bring pre-packaged Protein shakes in your airplane carry-on, tell TSA that they are a "medical necessity". Then be prepared to open each one so they can pass a test strip over the open container to make sure it's safe.

Thanks! This is great advice. @@Rogofulm I was told by my doctor that I could not eat shrimp or any shellfish until 6 months out - so hopefully I can find some chicken based foods. I do think I will have some pressure to drink - so I think ordering a drink and not drinking it will be pretty easy. I did that at a work function recently and no one noticed! LOL! Thanks everyone!

I find this odd, too. At 6 weeks we went on a Maine vacation and I ate lobster every single day! I also was eating beef Jerky and almonds as car Snacks, instead of wheat thins. It's surprising how different the bariatric programs can be. But you need to stick with your doctor's rules.