Weight Management Center Holiday party and food

Last night was the Holiday party at my surgeon's Weight Management Center.  As I walked in, I noticed foods and beverages set up all around one section of the meeting area. I was invited to sign in and "grab a plate".  The foods were mostly things that I could have, with the exception of raw broccoli and crackers(my choice to avoid, really) but the rest looked very appetizing.  So, I had 2 stuffed mushrooms, one with spinach and cheese, the other with sausage.  Also, I chose cheeses, cherry tomato, hummus, a pita crisp, yummy dip, and I brought my own drink. 
I met a few ladies who were at different stages of surgery, and different surgeries...lap band, sleeve and RNY.  One other RNY post op, less than a year out, was drinking as she ate?  I didn't question her, just did what I know is right for me.  It was interesting to hear about the other surgeries, too.  I'm glad I went with the RNY. I know it's best for me. 
Our clinic's social worker/therapist was sitting with us.  She was good with starting conversations, but one thing that really bothered me was a comment that she made about the food.  We all were pretty much finished with our small portions, taking it slowly, and chewing well when the social worker said, "You all are welcome to have more.  There is PLENTY of food.  Seconds are allowed!"  As we all refused, politely, I think she may have realized that what she said was not appropriate in a room filled with bariatric patients and she followed with, "Feel free to take a plate home.  There's so much left over."  Even that may have bothered some.  Not me...I brought some home for my daughter! 
I didn't eat all on my plate, but I got a few ideas of new foods.  I do wish they had the recipes along with the foods.  It was catered by a local restaurant, so I'll look on the website to see if I can find some of them.  The mushrooms were good, as were the hummus and dip. 
All in all, it was nice.  They gave gift bags with some samples of liquid vitamins, shakes and some other goodies. 

We do a carry in dinner of "bariatric friendly" foods.  Those that wish to share recipes send them to the dietitian and she puts together a booklet of recipes.  It is really a nice time.

That would be nice.  I enjoyed the foods that I had, but really wish I had some recipes. 
I know, too, that some people came from many miles away to this clinic.  Maybe to ask for foods to be brought in might be too much? 
I can guess/make up some of the recipes, I'm sure, but the dip was so good.  It had cream cheese, maybe some blue cheese? or gorgonzola? and Ranch seasoning?  I dunno...it was DElicious!  

Oohh...free food!

Our support group meeting was lots of fun. They provided pitchers of Crystal Light lemonade, icewater, and iced herbal tea. It was festive and welcome and nonthreatening. I appreciated the absence of food! Most bariatric patients, both pre-op and post-op, plan meals carefully, and being faced with unscheduled food can set off all kinds of mental turmoil.

However, mushrooms are pretty healthy--and I love to eat other people's cooking! I am so sick of my own boring meals.

And you got gift bags! Sweet.