Social life with lap band?

To be honest, I am not a very social person. I go to work, I run the kids from here to there, and then I come home... But over the past few months on those few occasions when I get together with family and friends (mostly parents of my kids' friends), I wonder, "How will the lap band affect my social life?" I know I'll be losing weight and feeling better. I'll probably be more self-confident and outgoing, but what about any negative impacts? What if I can not enjoy social occasions with a food basis? You're right, our social events should not be centered around food. But when someone comes to visit, we go out to eat. When someone passes a big test or has a dance recital, we go out to eat. When we just want to talk or go on a date, we go out to eat. Do you see a pattern here? I am sure all of the eating out has contributed to my weight problem. I do not want to continue the cycle.

So what good is all this worrying in print? I am having this surgery for my health. I want desperately to be healthy. I want to feel better and look better. I want my family (husband & kids) to be healthier, too! The only way to ensure our health is to work hard at creating more options for us. Good options - like veggies at dinner time. Here's to health!