First meal out after surgery and another NSV's

I'm almost three weeks post-surgery and I took my husband out for dinner for his birthday.  I was nervous about what I could eat, but I found a grilled scallop appetizer that was perfect.  I ate my 1.5 oz of scallops, and brought the rest home for tomorrow.  They were great, and easy on my tummy, and I got an enjoyable treat and fully stayed with the program.  This makes me feel so hopeful for the future. 

 Last winter when I drove my car, my belly touched the steering wheel with the seat back all the way, and I worried that I would no longer be able to drive if I didn't get my weight gain under control.  Today I got behind the wheel and realized there was about 4 inches between my belly and the wheel. 

 

I'm having trouble believing my weight loss is real.  I've never lost this much weight, and certainly never was able to keep it off.  I think I might succeed  this time.  This sleeve is amazing.

 

Carol

Awesome! You're doing great

I actually prefer eating out, as having food, any food, in the house tends to get eaten...all in one day.  I too see appetizers as my new meals when dining out.  Great choice, and how yummy was that!

Another part of the menu is worth checking out - side dishes. I find that many appetisers are too heavy for Fred, but I can sometimes find something in the side dish section that is just right. A side salad and a few bites of my hubby's main course is just about perfect for me portion-wise, for instance.

I've also learned to ask for non-obvious options. For instance, I went out for lunch with a girlfriend last week and we ended up at Brits, her favourite fish n chip place. She got a meal with 1 piece of fish. I got the same, but asked to swap the fries for a side of mushy peas.

I know, I know - it sounds like a terrible choice, BUT, once I peeled off the batter I was left with a lovely, moist piece of fish that I was able to eat about 3 ounces of. A few bites of mushy peas (the rest was part of my supper) and I had a very happy tummy without wrecking my eating plan for the day.

I could have asked for my fish to be grilled, but experience has taught me that I'd only have been able to eat about an ounce of it. 3 ounces of fish is a win in my book.

I am so happy for you and I will keep this in mind----doing pre-op right now and already missing the meals out.  Know this is a process but was wondering how people cope when eating out after.

My favourite - order off menu.

My dietitian told me once that if something is ANYWHERE on the menu it's in the kitchen. If it's in the kitchen I can have it if I ask nicely. She was absolutely right.

Great story, thanks for sharing. It's really encouraging.

I also experienced the difficulty getting behind the steering wheel of my car. At my highest weight, I couldn't fit into my car at all, and I was completely homebound for almost 3 months. What a joy to be able to get into the car and drive after a 71 lb weight loss. I got some help from my Physical Therapist who taught me an easy and safe way to get in and out. 

I haven't had my surgery yet, and am clueless about how much and what I'll be eating post op. 1.5 ounces of scallops? that's like ONE scallop, isn't it? Oh, well, if it fills up the belly, then it's all good. (i'm used to eating 3-4 oz of protein at dinner when i'm dieting).

 

I'm almost 18 months out. I eat 3 oz of protein per meal. That's plenty! Just out the gate, get used to the idea of half a scrambled egg being more than enough. About an ounce of deli turkey was all I could handle, too, early out.

Hopefully, you will love eating that little and feeling satisfied. I sure did!

Thanks, kairk. i can't wait can't wait can't wait to eat half a scrambled egg!!! 

(that's one sentence i never thought i'd ever hear myself say!)

Thanks for the post...it gives me hope.