I am leaving for a company meeting in Charleston tomorrow for the remainder of the week.  I plan on staying for pleasure through the weekend.  Charleston is one of my favorite places to spend a weekend!   Here is my problem.... FOOD!!!  Obviously, I am taking my WLS friendly food, shakes and snacks. But...OMG...it is Charleston!! My boyfriend's birthday is Friday (along with my 3 month post op birthday) and he LOVES Italian.  I have made a reservation at Bocci's for Friday night and all I want is pasta.  I don't want the guilt of messing up or to fall into old habits, but I don't get to Charleston everyday where I can have my lowcountry favorites.  Wisdom, a kick in the butt, and accountability is what is needed here...

Can you please offer perspective on this issue?  Candice

 BTW....I weighed in last night at my support group meeting and the scales say that I have lost and additional 10 lbs for a total of 67lbs.  I am apprehensive and don't believe it.  Trying to keep it in perspective until I see Dr. M next week....BUT OMG I am excited about that!!!

This is my realistic prospective, your pouch is tiny so even if you try you cannot over eat. Friday night is a special night and your in your favorite city.  Splurge!  This is a one time thing. You know what you can eat.  Order something with chicken and eat a few bites of the pasta. Curb your craving and don't feel guilty.  You have to eat, and make senible choices. I eat stuff that would be frowned upon, but i don't eat it everyday.  Your pouch is in control so a few tiny bites is all it takes, just make sure you eat protien first and get a doggie bag. Most of all have a great time!!! Jen

Thanks a bunch Jenn!  Tis what I will try to do is ENJOY!!  Thanks again! Candice

ooo girl!   Italian is good!    You could get a caprese salad (fresh mozzerella, basil, tomatoes, black olives, onions... yummmy) that is about the only thing I can eat italian anymore.  Pasta is out for me, and I love lasagna too  :o(    I guess you could just get a bowl of meat sauce and cheese?  Eggplant/chicken/Veal Parmesan without pasta? Protein Protein...   you will have fun regardless, you can eat all of the shrimp you want... and crab too!!  Just be careful, my most embarrassing moment post-op is having to run to the bathroom to throw up in a nice restaurant...  And my mouth was so happy eating that food...  ~laura

Laura, Those are great ideas that I didn't think about.  Eggplant parm is my fav but I couldnt get past the whole pasta thing. In my program I am not allowed pasta until after 6 months.  I may just take a bite of whatever my bf eats and go with the meatsauce suggestion and add a meatball to it.  I definately think I could be very satisfied with that.  Crab!!! That's Saturday night!  I am not worried about that night too much..... I am sorry sorry about you getting sick at a restaurant.  That is wisdom that I needed. OMG, I know it isn't funny but I want to hear that story.  Happy Tuesday!

Okay I will tell you... It's not the most disgusting or putrid story but it'll work.   About 3 months ago everyone from my office went to South for lunch.   I love South, it is one of my favorite restaraunts ever.. I have reviewed them on citysearch.com if you want to read it, anyway, They have a wonderful menu and I knew I didn't want to pu**** with anything I hadn't tried yet so I figured hells bells Shrimp n Grits will work.  I have had shrimp n grits at 18 seaboard, irregardless, and home with no problems at all!  The bacon, cheese, grits, and shrimp were a yes, no problems right?!?!  WRONG WRONG WRONG!!   It was so good, the shrimp were cooked prefectly, the grits were stone ground, my mouth was in heaven!!  And then, the literal **** hit the fan... well I thought I was gonna die right then and there.  Eveidently they use a pan jus intheir shrimp n grits which is nothing but pure grease and fat!  I started shaking, and sweating and ran to the bathroom and called Earl girl it was bad... so just keep in mind what works today may not tomorrow, and just cause your mouth loves it doesn't mean your tummy will....    SMOOOOCH ~laura

Hi Candice.  Charleston sounds wonderful, maybe someday I'll get there again.  As far as Italian, have you had pasta yet?  Different people are different, but I can't eat too much pasta, no more than a bite or two.  It swells in my stomach, like rice, and hurts!  It might be a decision your stomach makes for you.  Let us know how it goes when you get back and take pictures! Take care. Ellen

Hey Ellen!  Thanks for the wisdom.  I think what you are saying is very true.  It is my head and my toungue telling me that I want pasta. In reality, I could probably only handle a bite of it.  It's like I wish I had three different dishes in front of me.  I could take a bit of each one and be completely satisfied.  I think I will make good choices but this issue has been eating at me for a couple of days.  I will definately take the pictures!! Candice

Hi Candice
I LOVE Italian food how about a nice bowl of Pasta Fagoul soup? they have it at olive garden ect and it is really good and has small tiny pasta shells, beans, soft veggies and a yummy broth! I always get it at Ragazzis and it fills me up I hope you have a great time!!

Darcie

Thanks for your support Darcie. The urgency has subsided!   Thank goodness!  Hope you are feeling well. Candice