Olive garden

 I have been asked to go to dinner with girls from work. I have been avoiding these situations since surgery on jan 20th. It is still hard to be around food. So next week, Friday, which is the day we are going I will be exactly 4 weeks post op and still in puréed stage. We are planning on olive garden. What do you suggest?

When I was newly post op I always ordered soup.  My surgery was no secret, so ordering light was not an issue, and everyone actually expected nothing less.  I think it is way more difficult for those who have not shared their surgery.

The only thing that comes to mind from there is some type of soup.

I did a post-op Survival Guide to Olive Garden on Bariatric Foodie.

Check it out!

http://bariatricfoodie.blogspot.com/2011/04/pouch-party-peek sat-olive-garden.html

Thank you so much for all that you do!

Hattie

Maybe some ministrone.  You can avoid the pasta in it and mostly eat the beans and veggies. They should be pretty soft.  The other soups looked a little high in fat.

 Thank you for the responses. Nik thank you. I was actually thinking the chicken and gnocchi soup and just sifting through eating the broth/cream part of the soup and taking very tiny bites of the chicken. Hopefully this is ok since I am still in puréed for another 2 1/2 weeks.

That's actually my official suggestion on the eating guide! Well...one of them.

I think if you're still in the pureed stage that you should be staying home. If they're your friends they should understand you saying no. Or give them an alternative, like going to coffee instead and getting a herbal tea or decaf coffee. My post-op plan doesn't allow for me to eat out for 6 months. I know that sounds tough, but when you think of it, we're trying to break all those old habits so I think it makes sense. Also, since it's so easy to get sick early out, not going out to eat helps us to avoid those awkward situations in public. Good luck whatever you choose!

 A lot of restaurants (not the fast food ones) have plenty of items that are healthier choices and WLS friendly.  You just need to learn what to be able to eat and make better choices.  I have been out many times in the last 7 mo's and had good times without eating off my plan.  To the OP: NIk's site is wonderful and a great resource.  Soups were my go to choice early out as well.