Lou, there are plenty of us jolly fat people on here! I don't think anyone will say pre op that they didn't feel self-conscious when eating out. We all think everyone is going to watch we eat, how we eat it and if we're having pudding... However, take my word for it, last week when i went out for lunch with old friends and a new one i got my meal from the carvery and sat down with it, not once did i feel eyes boring into me. Not sure if it's cos i felt more confident with my 2 stone weight loss, my clothes were looser and i felt fab, or if it was because i'd only got a childs size carvery (and that would be a small child) and didn't think people weren't looking at me... I did enjoy being almost unnoticed though xx