I'm looking into getting the lapband. I'm curious, can you still eat out in restaurants and maybe have a drink with friends? I know you will not be able to eat much but I would like to hear stories from those that have the lapband.

I eat out several times a week and I have no problems. I just eat much slower than everyone else now. I still go to happy hour but I drink less now. The only change in my life is how I eat and that I've lost 22 pounds. I love my band.

Good luck in your decision.

Jill

Oh, heck, yes! There is always something on the menu that you can have. Having a lapband should never prevent anyone from doing what they want to do. I order sides or salads, and, on occasion, a regular meal and take part of it home to enjoy for another meal or 2. A drink on occasion is ok, too

I love to eat out at restaurants. I always take home a doggie bag and eat the same food for a couple more days...so get something you LOVE!

I eat out a lot too. I do try and check out the menu in advance to get an idea of what will be easier for me to eat. I also love the leftovers which last me for at least 2 more meals now!

I think that most people that have been banded will tell you that they still enjoy and eat everything that they used to eat but in much smaller quantities. The only thing that really changes is your attitude towards food. If you know that you can only have a small quantity of food the choices that you make are usually much better.

I do, although for me, it seems alot harder. I never noticed before, but people eat so FAST!! That is the hardest part when eating out, not holding everyone else up. I know that it should be about the company, but I tell ya, people go with one thing on their mind...to EAT!!

I do still eat out, I just sometimes have to make better choices (like no bread). I do have a drink every now and then...

Also, sometimes I just eat some off of my hubby's plate. A couple bites of chicken and I'm done.

I made the mistake of getting a steak at Applebee's last night. I tried two bites, but I had to spit them both out on my plate because they wouldn't turn to mush in my mouth. I guess I'll be feeding that steak to my dog since my husband's a vegetarian...

I eat well at restaurants! It is much easier than you think! Leftovers are fabulous for eating later or... for your friends to pick off your plate!!! It's easy to pick salads with a Protein or grilled chicken or all sorts of fish/seafood that give you your protein.

As far as drinking, I haven't had a drink since June, 2007 when I started losing weight. I was banded in December, 2007 and my doctor suggest not drinking during the first year. To be honest, I don't miss it. And, they are empty calories, so it is almost like sabotaging yourself. But, I think you'd be fine!!

Sure we do! You could order an appetizer and a small salad instead of a full meal.

Sometimes eating out is tricky right after a fill, while we figure out how tight our band might be and what foods our band will tolerate, but that would be the same situation at home, too.

You might find you enjoy going out to eat more ,because you won't have to be so worried about overeating or wanting to finish the big portions they serve.

I do eat out but not nearly as often as I used too. I love cooking way too much and there are such delicious things to eat now. I love cooking for myself and my DH.

But when we do venture out, we always share something. I just eat off his plate, or my daughters if I happen to be out with her. It works out really well. I am losing just fine and I still enjoy things I have always enjoyed.

I never did drink much at all, so I do not miss that, I do not miss soda at all either. I feel to good and healthy now, to care about the things that I know are bad for me. This is truly my mindset.

Now with that being said if I truly want a bite of brownie, or a chip or something I will have one, but just a taste or bite, I do not eat the whole pan or whole bag anymore....LOL

I eat out everyday. sometimes twice a day. you just have to make healthy choices and bonus, you get to take home leftovers.

Wow!! Your messages were all so helpful!! I'm not much of a drinker but I do like to have a drink once in awhile. I'm just patiently waiting for my surgical consult.

Haydee, I have to disagree (respectfully, I might add), but I don't eat half of the things I did prior to banding. I don't eat bread, rice, steak or poatoes, just the thought of bread makes me tighten up, LOL, but that's a choice I've made. Lots of people are able to eat what they ate before, but not me, which is ok for me.

As for restaurants, I've cooked once in the last month, that was today and it was chili, so eating out is pretty much a given for me and DH. Although, I've been banded for more than three years, I still have my moments, sitting near the restrooms can be a plus .

I forgot to mention, I always order my Water and a dish of lemons, then when the server brings the bill, I ask for a to go cup with a little ice, then by the time I'm on my way, I'm ready for my ice cold water.

I do sometimes take a few sips prior to eating, but I do not as a rule drink anything while I'm eating.