I am a newbie, thanks for letting me stalk!. Found out Monday, that my insurance improved my sleeve surgery and the date is 10/14. The pre-op is very difficult! I feel I am giving up my social life, and didn't realize how much my life centeres around going out with others with karaoke, eating dinner, parties, etc. How hard has it been for a lifestyle change for others?. Did not go with my karaoke group tonight, because did not want to to tempt my mouth, and I was fresh our of duct tape. Btw, I'm 56, married, my child is grown and settled in life. My weight is the one thing I have not conquered. Thanks for feedback in advance.

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I feel the same way. I'm just in the beginning, no approval yet, but I'm currently at a friend's who took my 15 year old Daughter and me for pizza and wings and beer last night, we're watching a movie and drinking cocktails right now...it's gonna be hard for me too; I'm with you.

I guess we just remind ourselves that we're doing this for US.

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My husband and I told no one in our social group. We play trivia, and socialize, so out quite a bit, and no one knows our business. We will keep it that way.

I'm 44 and have not received approval for my surgery yet. Sometimes I feel like no one understands what I'm going through until I get on here and I know I'm not alone. It's great to have people that are going through the same thing I'm going through to talk to and I've found that here.

I had my surgery last Wednesday (September 28), but I have been on a low carb/high protein/high healthy fat pre-op diet since March. (I lost 99 pounds pre-op!)

I decided a long time ago that I wasn't going to stop my life while I was getting control of my weight and my health. I have been open with everyone in my life about my journey (pre- and post-op) and my partner and I go to all of the same social outings that we always have. When we go to bars, I just don't drink; when it involves a meal, I always bring my salad dressing and order something appropriate. And now that my surgery is done, I'll go to the event and just sip Water and take my Crystal Light to-go things and unflavored Protein in a baggie.

I say all of this to encourage you to not hole up while you do this. I have found that keeping up my social calendar makes the journey easier and more fun, and having a brigade of cheerleaders is awesome, too!

All my best!

I go out as much as I want. I eat out out at restaurants a couple times a week at least. It's all about choices and what you order. High Protein apps or Entrees. Share something with a friend. Take what you can't eat home. Avoid carbs.... Get the veggie of the day instead of fries, skip the bread. My social life has never been more active and it is wonderful!!!! Driving home from 'socializing' as we speak. Had steamed shrimp appetizer as an entree and some of the hubby's veggies. Lol I will have shrimp omelet for Breakfast from my leftovers tomorrow.

WLS is about living not giving up your social life. You will need time to heal but after 4-6 weeks get back out there and enjoy the new you. Of course follow your surgeon's advice on alcohol consumption.

Edited October 2, 20169 yr by ocgirl15

As you've discovered, if you stay home alone instead of doing what you enjoy, you do feel lonely. Feeling lonely in a place with an unguarded kitchen is the road to perdition. Being with friends occupies your mind and feels good. Feeling good makes it easier to focus on the company. Check the online menu of the restaurants you go to before you leave the house. Decide in advance what you'll order. Have fun. Again, it's about the people.

I think it must be harder to have a special pre op diet - and those pesky couple of weeks of liquids after surgery

but let me encourage you that once I was on real foods I can find something appropriate at just about every venue - or sometimes I take a protien bar if I think nothing will appeal to me. You will get your social life back, although it will probably not look exactly like it did before!

and, it is WORTH IT.

Surgery scheduled 10/4. I am currently at the liquid phase. I went to the fair last night. (This was a killer...oh the food smells). I kept my mind on the goal. Losing weight and getting healthy! Living longer and doing more of what I love! Keep your eye on the goal and the path will be easier. God Bless!!!

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I am a newbie, thanks for letting me stalk!. Found out Monday, that my insurance improved my sleeve surgery and the date is 10/14. The pre-op is very difficult! I feel I am giving up my social life, and didn't realize how much my life centeres around going out with others with karaoke, eating dinner, parties, etc. How hard has it been for a lifestyle change for others?. Did not go with my karaoke group tonight, because did not want to to tempt my mouth, and I was fresh our of duct tape. Btw, I'm 56, married, my child is grown and settled in life. My weight is the one thing I have not conquered. Thanks for feedback in advance.

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I was sleeved 9/21/16. I have had no problems. Yes, it's hard with your social life and I miss the good food. But, I remind myself of what I've read " it won't be easy, but it will be worth it"

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You will do fine. I am 60 years young, and post sleeve surgery 2 months ago. We socialize with relatives watching college football gsmes etc. Yes there is always food and we enjoy eating out. I just keep a few things I can eat for me and I don't eat the other stuff that is out. I really haven't been bothered at all by it. I thought it would. I think getting in smaller clothes is worth the trade off for me. You will figure it out. Still enjoy your social life...just have to make new changes for your new healthy life. Good luck to you!!!

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Thank you all for your words of wisdom...

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I think it must be harder to have a special pre op diet - and those pesky couple of weeks of liquids after surgery

but let me encourage you that once I was on real foods I can find something appropriate at just about every venue - or sometimes I take a protien bar if I think nothing will appeal to me. You will get your social life back, although it will probably not look exactly like it did before!

and, it is WORTH IT.

Just to agree and add pre-op is much harder than post op at least for me. After you are feeling better post op .... food will not be that big of a deal. It is worth it and it about getting more out of life not being lonely.

Take your own dish to gatherings at homes. Low fat meatballs, mini meatloaf, deviled eggs, no crust quiche, so many options. Otherwise at restaurants, seafood bisque, hamburger patty, grilled fish, shrimp, etc. nothing has slowed us down.

Welcome beaches???? Lizard there is a bunch of us 50+ on here. Ash anything we live to help here welcome again

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I'm 23 years old. My social life is nothing but going out to drink and going out to eat. I start my pre op diet tomorrow. I'm freaking out a little but after reading all this, I feel better. It's definitely a life style adjustment

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