Self conscious when eating in public :-(

I'm 3 weeks post op today - just started on full liquids. I had to travel for business and it's been AWFUL eating. I went to a restaurant last night and ordered their pureed soup. It had little chunks of corn still in it is I ended up straining it through my teeth and spitting out the chunks. I must have looked like such a weirdo! It just felt like an ackward dining experience.

Today there's a great buffet at the conference but nothing soft enough for me to eat, so while I'd rather be socializing with everyone I'm eating soup solo at the hotel restaurant.

I'm so bummed I could cry right now - I miss the social aspect of sharing a meal.

When does eating start to feel "normal" again?

You never realize how much the world revolves around food until you can't eat it!  Once you start on regular foods it gets easier and as time passes and you get used to eating small it all feels so normal and it doesn't even become a second thought anymore.  I go out with my hubby every weekend although once in awhile I get a waitress/waiter that asked me if everything is okay, most just ask me if I would like a box to take my left overs in.   Going out with others is not an issue either because I don't draw attention to it so most don't even notice that I am eating like a toddler. 

Just a temporary situation.  I have eaten out a couple of times with co-workers/friends since surgery.  I ordered soup, just as you did, and squished the blackbeans into mush and ate as normal.  The second time just a grilled chick appetizers and the third time crab cake appetizer.  No one ever commented and since I was eating much slower than they, I was last to be done and had a doggie bag at each meal lol.  It's only a temporary change that as the weeks continue you will be able to blend in better with your peers.  At 3 weeks, I was on soft foods.  You are still on full liquids so it might be a greater challenge for you.

This is just a stage and will soon pass.

You'll soon start on normal food, in small amounts, and the awkwardness will be a thing of the past.

Soon enough!  Don't worry in another couple of weeks you'll be on regular foods that you can share when you are out in social settings.  After a while it becomes second nature.  But it will take a few months before you can eat the variety and quantity that will become your norm.  I had my surgery in June, and was out celebrating a family function a month later. I just shared a piece of soft fish from my SIL's plate, some mashed potatoes, and I was enjoying my social gathering at the same time.

I know the first month is hell, but it does improve quickly and exponentially!

Thanks for the support! Being at home on protein shakes was just so easy, that I didn't expect to be reacting as strongly as I am right now *trying not to cry in my soup*

I could eat normal stuff at 4 weeks out,   you're almost over the hump.  The first month you have to be so careful of your new tummy but it's so worth it for all the wonderful changes coming your way.  Soon this will be a vague memory and your life will be filled with such joy and pleasure in your new self  emerging.   You will be eating with the best of them soon.   Enjoy your new and improved life   :o) jeani

Just a few more weeks until you're over the hump. I know it's frustrating, but VERY VERY soon, it will be second nature and you'll be surprised how many people DON'T notice how much you eat. I was on a date last night and we got pizza and I was afraid he was going to think I was weird for only eating a slice and a half of medium pizza with no crust, but he never said a word or even looked at me funny.

Also, 3 weeks post op is when a lot of people get the blues. Some say it's from excess estrogen being released into your body that was stored in fat cells that are being broken down rapidly. I mentioned it to my doctor and she had never heard of it, but I was definitely feeling like a crazy person right around that time. I just sat at my desk and cried at work, and I couldn't even explain to my mom why I was crying. I gets better, I promise!

Thanks Jeani! I *heart* what you said.

Soon you will be eating such small portions everyone will wish they were you. When we go out the server always mentions about me eating so little not in the "You had surgery" kinda way but in the "Its so cute" kinda way. I dont think i'd spit out chunks of soup. I'd probably look at someone odd if they did that ;)