Ok this is probably really trivial but I find myself perplexed by the idea of telling people (date prospects) that Im banded. I went through a divorce about the same time as I had my band done. I have lost 71 pounds and now about at goal weight. I have decided to start dating but going to restaurants with new people is challenging because of the small amount of food that I can eat, so I have thus far avoided a date at a restaurant. I also chose not to tell anyone that I work with about my surgery and let me tell you they are asking. Im curious if anyone else is facing similar situation and how you handled it.

I tell everyone about my band, if I could get a T-shirt that said banded 4 life I would so wear it! This is the most important thing I have ever done for myself and I find that 90% of the people who hear about it are truly interested I get alot of good questions and have had alot of good conversations about it. I find that when people know you are serious about really being healthy they are so supportive, everyone loves an underdog, right? So I would order what you feel comfortable eating maybe tell your date beforehand I guarantee people will be impressed because it shows that you care about yourself and that you take being healthy seriously! Good luck

Well, a first date might not be my choice of where to tell a guy what I've done. But if you've been out with him a couple of times, it is different. I would wait for him to ask (he really might not, you know!). Then he might ask if there's something wrong with your food. Then you have to either tell him the whole thing (well, you see, I battled extra pounds for a very long time and I finally had lap band surgery to help me get the weight off and keep it off, but as a result I really cannot eat the huge portions most restaurants serve or just tell him that you used to be much heavier and you've finally learned portion control. That would be the truth, pretty much but you might find yourself having to tell the rest of it later if the relationship continues. But I think you might be surprised at the minimal reaction. Anybody I tell asks a few questions about the surgery and then goes on.

I think at first you could just say, "This is how I eat to keep some weight I lost off!" If you say it in a fairly firm way, there will prob be no more questions or comments.You could also say if there are any more quesions something like, "Its a long story, not that interesting, and I really dont want to go into it right now." Good luck and dont worry about it to much. The vast majority of people are much more interested in talking about themselves!! Cali