First time to eat in a restaurant

[reading mom]

So this Friday will be my first girl's night out post surgery. I have been cleared by my Dr to have solid foods. I think PF Changs is our destination. Any advice or eating out tips?

[andiz]

Chicken or Shrimp dishes without breading if possible will be the easiest way to try and get your protein in, if you are to the point where you can digest it. If someone in your group is willing to share, take advantage of it. When I went to PF Chang's after my surgery, the group had the "starters" of crispy green beans and lettuce wraps.. I had 2 of the green beans, and a spoon full of the lettuce wrap. Then split a main dish with one of my friends, had a spoonful of the chicken dish and took left overs home for later.

Also, if you are someone who preferred spicy dishes before surgery (like I did) ... err towards the less spicy dishes.. not being able to drink while you eat lowers your tolerance for the spice and makes it harder for you to digest this soon after surgery.

The biggest thing to remember if you are just switching to solids is to take it slow, to make sure you aren't going to regret eating what you did... you may find that one day you have no problem with chicken, but the next your body is having problems digesting it... I think it maybe related to how the meat is cooked, bad cuts or over cooked meats are much harder to digest then better cuts or meats that are cooked so they "melt" in your mouth.

If in doubt, they have good Soups.

[Titinc]

Get ready for a very eye opening experience. Remember things are different for you now. Have fun.

[Elbie]

PF Changs is notoriously high in calories / fat etc. (But OH SO YUMMY)! I would recommend looking at the menu ahead of time and choosing what you want to eat before you go. You should also be able to look at nutritional content ahead of time online. But if you look ahead and decide what to eat before getting to the restaurant, this will help to curb temptation.

[Cindola]

Congrats on taking the big step of going out with friends! It is a huge balancing act, my first meal out with a friend was a hoot!!! She had accompanied me to Mexico for my surgery -- went to a great place in town and I ordered tuna melt sans one slice of the bread and asked that they hold the fries, they offered me cottage cheese and I took them up on it! Well, I could only finish the cottage cheese and took my tuna melt home for another meal -- to this day she comments on my cheep date status! I've been to a couple of chain places -- usually try for a good soup and half sandwich combo, then I can bring home the sandwich to eat for another meal. Have a couple of places that my family traditionally goes when we are at the beach -- shrimp cocktail and a cup of chowder is always a great option! Have a group of friends that I go out to breakfast with once a month -- I am able to sub cottage cheese for hash browns, and bring my biscuit and egg home for lunch -- yes, I get some looks from these friends (none of them know that I've had the surgery), but it works! Best wishes!

[tmmom2]

They said at my dr. office that when we go out to eat to order the childs plate and ask for a to go box and immediatley half every thing on our plate and put half in the to go box and eat whats on our plate.

[reading mom]

Thanks for all the tips! I hadn't thought about being careful with spicey foods. Duh! Mostly I just hope to have fun visiting with friends!

[reading mom]

I had a great time last night! I didn't eat too much. I didn't feel sick or nauseous. The only "mistake" I made was I accidentally sipped on my water while we were talking during the meal. I have gotten used to not having a glass on the table during meals. I figure it's all a learning process. I feel like I made a big step towards finding my new normal, and being a normal person again! Thanks!

[RHDB]

That's awesome -- what did you have from there? We don't have one locally but I like to go to them when visiting friends down state.

I went out for the first time last night and we went to a local Mexican food restaurant that has a little bit of everything on the menu. I saw some of my old favorites on the menu and knew I couldn't have them but I wasn't too sad. I found a nice grilled tilapia and some cheesy mashed potatoes that I can have at this stage. I just ate some of the fish and boxed the rest up for later. I had it for lunch today and will probably finish it off for supper. I love being able to do that and still be full each time.

[reberm]

I went out today for the first time. We went to a Chinese noodle house. I ordered a cup of won ton soup. It turned out pretty good. I took out the wontons there were three and just cut up the meat it left a few veggies and delicious soup in the cup. Just starting my soft mush phase. Chewed chewed chewed the meat and the veggies. It tasted great. So it was a success.