Social Life Post Op

[NYC_PAULA 194]

I had my lap band surgury on 8/5/10. I am feeling pretty good. I'm down 20 lbs since starting the pre-op liquid diet. The hardest part for me has honestly been socializing since starting the pre-op diet. It is hard when everyone wants to meet for lunch or dinner. It got me to thinking about how much food revolves around our social lives. I have started to ask friends if we can get together for non-food related activities.

I was wondering if anyone else is or was struggling with trying to keep their social life normal after surgury and what tips or suggestions you might have.

Thanks,

Paula

[Humming Bird 275]

Everyone that I am in those situations with knows I'm banded. That makes it easier for them to understand if I only order a cup of chili.

On a hot day I add a Protein bullet to ice Water and take it to sip on.

[Laura Lane 0]

i had a hard time too....completely understand you....i asked my friends for 100% support and i got it from them, they actually lost some weight too.LOL. so hang in there, you'll survive.

[jamelyn1979 1]

Yes for sure! Most of the time when I get together with friends, its over lunch or meeting for dinner. They all understand and we have been doing things non-food related.

[BetsyB 9]

I still go out to eat a lot. And I entertain a lot---food is always involved. But I don't eat a lot--that's really the only difference.

It was harder before I had restriction, but even then, I could find something on almost every menu that fit within the way I eat.

The hardest is when you're invited to someone else's house to eat--a sit-down dinner with a fixed menu can be hard to navigate. In those situations, I tend to let the host/hostess know in advance that I will be sticking to Protein and veggies, so that s/he is not offended. I couch it in terms of medical necessity---people don't question that, or urge, "oh, come on--just this once won't hurt you."

[ajames79 0]

I worry about this too! I love to entertain and cook. But not only that but one big social thing to do with my friends is dinner and drinks! I'd hate that I think that this will completly change! I have found hope by reading some "bandsters" blogs that I will learn what I can and can't do...but that I can still go out and enjoy..just not over-enjoy! I hope this is the case for me!

[NYC_PAULA 194]

Thanks for the support and advise. I realize that I am not the one who is uncomfortable if I go out with friends and don't eat. I have heard from others that friends and family eventually adjust and not eating or eating little when going out becomes a non issue. Hopefully that will be the case with my friends.

I feel terrrific though. No regrets. Glad I did this.