I can not personally help you here, but I'm reading a great book called "Before and After" by Susan Maria Leach, she talks alot about how she gets through social events after wls. Good Luck.
She also gives lots of wls recipes too.

I had my surgery 3 months ago and really I don't feel deprived. Sure it is strange to eat a hot dog and only be able to eat about 5 or 6 bites. But I am not hungry, so don't feel bad about it. I just eat slow and enjoy visiting with everyone. As the weight starts dropping off it is easier to go with out things because it feels so awesome to like what you see in the mirror!!!!!

Hugs, Kim

i had mine 5/1 .... i do eat at outings ...just a little smarter ... this has to be a change you really want .... i am lovin the weight loss and dont want to mess it up ....besides chewing the foods so much takes the fun out of eating ... thank god ...hehehe..
good luck ...and this was the best thing i could have ever done for myself ...

Hello, I had my surgery 14 days ago today and wanted to share my thoughts on your question. It has been a hard few weeks, but including the ten day pre-op liquid fast, I have lost 34.5 lbs. I am happy about this, though watching all of my neighbors enjoy their cookouts and the ensuing drinking and merriment.

This is a situation that I expect to encounter many more times, though having the ability to wear normal size clothes will help me cope with the lack of food based social interaction.

honestly, i am more social because i have lost the weight, you can snack on carrots a bit of cheese or sip a low cal soda, (to be social) but I am so much happier and talkative and dont want to run and hide or not show up at all. i have been entertaining friends i have not seen in years, i am 7 months post op and (fingers crossed) so far the socializing has not been an issue. i am much happier now and it shows, the eating and boozing isnt what makes you happy it should be the good company, my 2 cents.

we have alot of eating social events in our family and church. i really have not had any problems. i just eat some of the things i know i can handle and enjoy visitng with folks. benefits from wls outweigh any possible negatives as far as i have experienced.

Before I had surgery I started getting myself mentally prepared for restaurant eating by always looking over the menu and thinking about what would be my best choices post-op. This kept the focus on what I could have, rather than what I couldn't have.

At family gatherings, I told the family they didn't need to cook special for me - I can always find food I can eat somewhere on the table. I also try and bring something I know I can eat - even a cheese and veggie tray will do the trick.

I went to my family reunion this past weekend and I use to clean my plate. Its funny I found myself sneaking off somewhere somewhat away from everyone because I felt awful for not being able to finish something like a whole hamburger patty. I then would kind of sneak around to throw away what I didn't eat a couple of times I fed it to the dogs but they gave me away by fighting.

Oh and to the question at hand I do not miss eating socially or the events. Never has bothered me. I had so many compliments this weekend I was glowing. The best one was if you turn sideways you will disappear. I loved it.

I was told three days ago, surgery is in 9 days. My date was moved up. YEAH. I have currently lost 40 lbs, pre-op. I haven't had problems at social events. I can always find something good to eat.
Usually on Sunday's my church has a social gathering between services. I started bringing fruit an cheese. Now, people miss the fruit and cheese when I'm not there. I would also bring protein bars, since it is more of a breakfast themed gathering.
I've been to Olive garden, and scrutinize carefully what I should be ordering, or what I should not. I've not missed out on anything. Having just started the pre-op diet, I would say the changes I made and the extra scrutiny have been rewarded by the 40lbs that I have already lost.
I have not seen any social consequences.

I had my surgery 19 months ago, if I had to do it all over again I would, absolutely. My quality of life has improved dramatically and my social life has also improved. You change, you should it's part of the process with this journey, I never feel deprived, I sample what I want and make sure I eat my protein, veggies. I watch my carbs and well I am the happiest I've ever been in my life. Good luck to you, and your journey.

Absolutely not! Okay, so it's alittle easier because my husband also had the surgery. So, when we go out to eat, we split a meal and take the other half home! LOL I have been to weddings, receptions, showers, restaurants, etc. and just eat what I can eat! Remember, you can still order the entree and take the rest home. For me, salad is always safe. I don't throw it up at all. Also, I can eat a little more of it than other foods. It's all about choices. Or, if you are early on and afraid to eat, eat before you go out with foods that you are familiar with and pick of your husband's plate (if you are married) or a friend's plate. Whatever is most comfortable for you. Another easy food for you that is in season is melons. They are mostly water and can be chewed down to nothing. I have found that most restaurants are very understanding about people who are post-op. My doctor's office gave me a business card that has stamped on the back: "Special Dietary Requirements: This patient has had stomach surgery that restricts the amount of food that can be consumed. Please allow this patient to order a half portion or from the children's menu." But, to tell you the truth, I have never had to show it. I just explain that I have had stomach surgery and don't eat much. Don't worry, it will be fine! Promise!

I had my sugery on Nov. 1, 2007. Thanksgiving was my first real outing. While everyone piled high their plates I had a tablespoon of cottage cheese and two tiny pieces of Talapia. I only ate half and then by mistake i drank some water. That was the first and last time i threw up. And then Christmas!!! The support i get from friends and family is amazing. At the beginning I made sure to bring my protein shake everywhere I went and if I got hungry...gulp gulp gulp. Now (8 months out and down 97 lbs) I can sample anything. Socializing isn't about eating (and i'm from a family that EATS to celebrate everything)....the food time passes quickly. and as the scale moves down it is absolutely ALL WORTH IT !!! Good luck

I am 2 and a half months out. At first I would go to restaurants and say I already ate to the waitress and have some water. But, just last week I went and had half a chix salad sand and some chix rice soup. Even though I only ate some of the chick salad and the broth to the soup I still felt like I was participating like everyone else. I really don't miss it because I feel so good afterwards that I am not so full I feel sick like I used to be. I can walk easily and I feel healthy and I look nicer. It is totally worth it!!

Good Lord I feel like a non conformist. I have a hard time at social situations. especially when everybody brought a dish and they ask If I have tried it. I now only take 1 bite instead of eating a plate of each speciality and I do throw away alot but I try everything. I am 1 of those people that hasn't had a problem w anything. I sometimes wish I had. I did not go out (to the bar) for a good 3 months after surgery. and then only drank water. I have tried alchol didn't do much for me and I started to feel guilty. before the surgery thtat would have ruined the whole week and I would have eaten my way through it. now I can get past it and do better the next meal or when I feel that way. by the way in 1 year I have lost 140 pounds. Good luck and if you have any questions please let me know. H