My wonderful, but still sort of clueless about this WLS thing (he met me 6 mos ago, well after surgery), boyfriend just informed me that we are joining friends at this very posh, expensive Easter Brunch. Now, Sunday will be Day 6 for me...I'm on Day 4 of the test and I sort of panicked when he told me

I haven't been to a buffet since before sugery. I mean, it's sort of a waste since our tummies are so small. Now, know what I'm about to face, I need a plan of attack. So, I was wondering if anyone else was facing the dreaded Easter Buffet (as opposed to cooking yourself so you can control calories, etc). Anyone else in this boat?

Mere

I love buffets.

I'm far enough along that my actual eating habits have changed. I know that I cannot stretch out and grab an extra plateful any more, so I tend to just take a nice plate of well balanced foods and if I eat it, fine, if not, which is usual, fine too.

Again, like I've stated time and again, I am not at my lean mean weight and could theoretically lose any 30 if I wanted to get with it and suffer. However, I'm down 110 to 218 and off all meds and feel great so what the h*ll....

Live life...that's what it's here for.

stu

I have only done a couple of buffets since surgery since like you said, we can't eat a whole lot anyway, but I just did what protein they had, veggies, fruits, salad, and tried to stay away from breads and "bad carbs".

I don't go out very much, but when I do. Sometimes I see if I can order from the child's menu or get a semi-compliant appetizer. However, if that would make you uncomfortable, take the buffet and pick out the sensible foods. Eat what you can and play with the rest of it until everyone finishes up. That's more inconspicuous.

I'm sure a proper time will present itself, at some point, when you'll be more comfortable and can explain more about your procedure and your new set of limitations. Who knows, he might appreciate knowing he has someone who takes charge of her life and is a cheap date besides

Relax and Have a wonderful Easter.

I don't go to buffets because it is such a waste of money in my mind. The good news is that there are always choices at buffets. The question is, are you going to be strong enough to make good choices? Think how great you will feel afterward if you do make the sensible choices......no nausea, no runny bowels, no dumping, just the satisfaction of knowing that you enjoyed Easter with your friends and you did your body a favor!

Hi Mere,
Do what it takes to make you feel like you aren't sticking out like a sore thumb.
That's my approach. There's sure to be prime rib and chicken breasts. Remember,
protein first and CHEW! Something I can usually enjoy and tolerate along side the protein is
fruit... my guess is that there will be melon and berries; your best bets. Stay away from
dinner rolls and pasta that will plug up your stoma and have you foaming and tearing for
the bathroom in nothing flat. No rice, pasta salad, breads..... and whatever you do,
don't start out with a pile of salad. You'll be really stuffed and still hungry. The WORST of
combinations. Pay attention to what you're eating and don't go back for anything.
There's no way you'll get "your money's worth." So give up on that point.
You can take little sips of water but avoid other attractive drinks like mimosas.
These rules work for me. Hope they do for you! You can do this!

I would sugg making careful choices of the things you would normally eat, protien 1st, i agree no bread, pasta cookies icrecream. they are bound to have bakes chickn and possibly ham or baked fish. Good luck, but most of all relax and enjoy! oh and dont drink while you visit. yo uwill end up drinking way to much and get overly full and sick.

Buffets can be wonderful IF you go in with the right mindset. Don't go in ready to "browse." Get yourself psyched up about all the yummy protein options that are going to be available - ham, prime rib, fish, etc. Maybe you can look onlilne to find out what is being offered in regards to protein - to help get you psyched up (or call ahead of time). If I already have it in my mind that I'm going to eat something specific - I can get really disappointed if i don't get it (my husband relates it to my telling him we're having tacos for dinner so he starts thinking about it all day only to come home to baked fish - REALLY disappointing). So...FILL UP your plate with the different yummy proteins that you're already excited about - then focus on the yummy COMPLEX carbs that are available (fresh veggies). By the time you've enjoyed all these yummy things you're looking forward to - you'll be too full to even WANT to veer toward the bad stuff. If you've done it right - the thought will be downright repulsive! LOL!

My suggestion is to call ahead & ask if they will give you a reduced price. Or, will they let you have a to go box. Or, will they let you have the child's price. Whether they will accomodate you, remember that you're there with people you care about & don't worry about the price.
If it's a brunch buffet, there will also be eggs of all kinds.

Hey MereCA! What a lovely opportunity for you to exercise your new shrunken pouch! When I have to go to a buffet, I go through the line backwards: I start with the meat, then work my way back to the cooked veggies. I usually have a 3 oz piece of the really good meat (or if it looks too fatty, I'll get a couple of smaller portions of something else. Then I get some cooked green beans and a couple of pieces of carrots. I eat really slowly, focusing on the conversation, pushing my food around my plate.

Since my husband has seen this more than once, he steers clear of the buffet now unless he's really craving it.

Since you're going to an upscale buffet, I bet there will be some incredible protein choices!

Remember: it's a social occasion--not an eating occasion. Converse and enjoy yourself!

Yes, that speaks volumes to me Sandi. I don't enjoy eating near as much as before. I go from hungry to full to uncomfortable in 2-3 bites. I like to savor the chase (I enjoy spending time cooking extravagant meals), but the eating part is usually a let down after I get in to it. However, that's my new life so I go with that...

We usually go to an upscale buffet every Easter. I'm only 9 weeks out so skipping it this year. Those buffets ususally have shrimp fixed several different ways, my pouch's favorite protein. I agree with everybody else head straight to the proteins and don't even venture near the other stuff, ok I guess you can check out the fruit and vegetables. Enjoy and let us know how it goes. Have a Happy Easter

Denise

Thanks everyone for your ideas! My downfall is salad...there's something I just love about a fresh salad with all the veggies..the crunchiness! Alas, it is a slider food and will fill be up so I will skip it. I do love the idea about starting backwards, that's great!

Happy Easter and thanks again for the ideas!

Mere

Hi Mere
- Fist thing's first...
Repeat after me . . . "this is a waste of money and I won't get my money's worth"
The sooner you can accept that the better (lol-ugh)
- Second... act like you are Gwyneth Paltrow (or "enter thin starlet's name here") and eat like a petite glamorous woman. (If no one has told you lately, you are gorgeous!) - Sit up straight and be proud that you are in such control. (make 'em wonder and jealous that you are so strong in your resolve.)
- Third . . . peruse the offerings before going through the line. Decide up front what your wise choices are.
- Forth . . . Protein first. Eggs, a slice of bacon or turkey if it's lunch. A deviled egg half. Nothing greasy, you'll regret it. Garnish your plate with an orange slice, a small cluster of grapes and parsley from the display.
- Ask for a splash of cranberry juice in a glass of water with ice (have one sip - but it will be a pretty drink in front of you) and have De Cafe tea or coffee... (make your surroundings look good...)
- If you are strong, put a roll on your plate - fake it (you're not going to eat it)... tear off a piece and leave it on your plate, no one will know.

Repeat step one and two as often as nessecery...
Finally - Have fun! It's not about the food

Update:

So I survived!! Woohoo. Nancy, your suggestions about the cranberry drink or other "pretty" drink was genious. I did that and it helped me feel like a part of the crowd.

Sandi, your suggestion about going through the line backwards was fantastic and it worked.

All in all, I consider it a success, and I even enjoyed a single solitary bite of a cheese blintz! Thanks to everyone for your great advice!

Mere

LOVE IT! How cool is it that you survived and even flourished at the "dreaded buffet" ! YOU have truly passed a big milestone and deserve a pampering for yourself. Maybe some flowers? happy dance and high fives!

What a great reminder that we are indeed just like everyone else...we just need to be 'creative' in certain situations!

Hugs!