First Restaurant Trip Tonight

I am almost 6 weeks post-op and still transitioning to new foods (and eating very small amounts).  My daughter and boyfriend are visiting for my daughters birthday and we are going out to dinner tonight.  I checked the menu ahead of time to see what I can eat, but I think soup is about it unless I get a $25 plate of fish and eat a few bites... 

Any suggestions on how to best handle the trip?  I'm kind of nervous about it.

Early on I would typically pick from an appetizer menu, or order a soup. 

Or you can ask someone to share a plate.  

Sometimes restaurants have "sides" that can be ordered with salads.  I often have no problem to get just the side..I.e grilled chicken...or shrimps.

Early on - I often had just tea or coffee while others were eating... And had my "meal" before leaving the house. 

     My first suggestion would be to stick with things you've already tried at home. I also find ordering an "add on protein" for a salad works.  The 3 oz. of salmon, shrimp, grilled chicken etc. you get is good for a couple of meals.  I carried envelopes of unflavored protein powder with me, so I could also turn a healthy soup into a protein forward meal.  I've also added portions of a container of protein drink to coffee, and enjoyed that as people ate.  You can do this.... just use what you already know works for your body.  Have fun!

My first restaurant meal was an appetizer with grilled scallops.  I ate half and took the rest home for the next day! 

I can always find something on the menu that works for my diet.  The hard part is being surrounded by things I shouldn't eat. the temptation sometimes wins.

enjoy your dinner.

Carol

Thank you for the suggestions!

It's very smart to check menus before you eat at restaurants after WLS.  I do it all the time so that I'm comfortable knowing what choices are appropriate for me.

At six weeks, you might want to stick with the soup.  Maybe someone will share a bite of their meal with you.  After eating bland food during the post op phase, restaurant food can be problematic.  They use a lot of salt and butter which may be too rich for your new sleeve.  Take it easy and slowly and you'll be okay.

I did have soup - really delicious clam chowder (I chewed those clams really well).  It tasted delicious but I stopped somewhere between 1/4-1/2 cup because my sleeve was feeling tight (odd feeling but good to have).  Had to put a plate on top of the water glass before and after for the non-drinking time because I kept reaching for it automatically.

Thanks again for the advice!