Eating out post op

[Lil Sis]

Hi! My question is for the POST SLEEVERS. How do you handle going to restaurants once you are in the food stage? I'm going on vacation about 3 months after surgery. We usually purchase a meal PLAN in advance. But it seems like a waste of money to me now because I will not be eating an appetizer, entree ad dessert. Do restaurants allow adults to order from the children's menu if there is a medical accommodation?? I don't plan on eating out like I do now but it's unrealistic to think that I will NEVER enter a restaurant again!

And what do you order???

Thanks!!

[Truebody]

I find a soup is good for me or where possible a place where a variety arrives at the table and you take what you want. My surgeon provided a card that I take with me and can show if having difficulty ordering a child size or half portion. Why not leave the pre planning and wing it when you get there? The sleeve is about choice. The other thing about the sleeve is losing the "value for money" thinking. Eating less and paying the same price is something you need to get used to some times.

[robertajanzen]

went on a cruise 3 months post op plus a few other trips...i just ask for a plate and take a lil from my hubby and usually a soup. starters r ok also.

[robertajanzen]

i alos pack my jerky and whey protein

[coolmom43]

My husband and I share meals when we are out together. Yesterday I went to a mexican restaurant, I really wanted fajita nachos, but I knew the chips would be too much, so, I asked for the fajita nachos without the chips. The waiter gave me a double take, but placed my order, when the food came out, I had a plate with beans, meat, cheese and onions, it was soooo good. I used a couple of chips from the "before chips and salsa" and ate some without chips with a fork. It worked out great, the leftovers, there was a lot left, I brought home with the chips in another box, and my son in law was able to take them with him to work. It also solved the soggy nacho leftover problem. I have also ordered off of the kids menu, most places don't have a problem with it, still have some left over. It sure feels nice to FINALLY leave a restaurant, and have lots left over.

[kaygee]

I am not post op but my doc recommends ordering salads, soups, and appetizers. He also recommends bringing home leftovers.

[mwilson05]

I was given a card allowing me to order from a kids meal or half size. I will just share with my husband tio

[Laural]

I am 10 months post op and I have eaten out a lot ... I always order my food exactly as I want it prepared. I know for a fact that I will have left overs, which I simply take to work the next day for lunch. I've tried to use the medical card and some places accept it and others don't.

[Lulu mama]

There almost always something you can have. remember, it won't take much so don't worry. Just listen to your body and stick to softer and wet foods.

[alanna]

I've never ordered from the kids menu because most restaurants kids menus are unhealthy and full of carbs. I usually eat a little bit off my husbands plate, or order a salad. I always take food home.

Last night I went to chilis with my kids and I ordered a small steak off their "light" menu, and I couldn't finish the steak and had to bring home the side of veggies.

Eating out is much different, but it is possible.

[carolynodien]

I eat out all the time, as I am in a "dating" mode. I sometimes share a meal, or bring home leftovers. I have made some of those restaurant portions last for 3 more meals! I try to make good decisions and I love to get salmon or chicken...red meat is hard on me usually. Pass on the bread, cardinal rule is protein first if you want the sleeve to work for you! Good luck!

[compact]

Hi Lil Sis,

I eat out regularly and enjoy it a lot. Last Saturday night I went to a buffet with my work colleagues and my partner. I like the way it's set up -- I can have lots of small tastes and leave food on a plate and desserts are tiny.

I agree with Jen (Hi Jen!) -- forget about the price. Over the years we've had more than our share! This is a chance to be like the other people who eat small amounts. Pay your money and enjoy your food with grace. As others have said here, being able to leave some food behind or take some home is great -- a very enjoyable new 'normal'.

Nel

[Gothikim]

Restaurants are an adjustment. The server will usually ask if the food was ok or if there was a problem with it, because my hubs and I eat so little! We can usually get 2-3 meals out of an adult entrée. I haven't played the "children's menu" card yet, because so many things on kids' menus are breaded deep-fried crap. I substitute veggies for rice/beans/potatoes, and I don't touch the chips or bread before the meal.

We're going to Disney in March, and that's going to be a whole other deal, since we get the dining plan. Since the hubs and I eat 4 times a day on average, we'll finally get to use up all our snacks! I guess there will be a whole lot of wasted food, but since we'll be going with a teenager and a couple of 20-somethings that can eat all day, maybe not...

The weirdest thing to me is not drinking while eating. These days I order unsweetened iced tea or water with lemon, and drink as much as I can for 10-15 minutes, then push the glass away to allow time before my food comes. I still go for that glass and pick it up while I'm eating, and then remember that I can't have it!

[ms2tweet]

My friend went to Disney and said they were used to dealing with WLS patients you just have to tell them up front. I just got back from a Cruise and I did great. I would order a appetizer have a bite then offer to share with others. I was impressed that they had 3 healthy options per night. They were marked with Calories, fat and sodium. It was grilled Salmon no sauce and things like that. I do not eat potatoes as they make me feel bloated. I can't eat salad either. I have a card and at Red Lobster you can get grilled chicken and veggies off the kids menu. I usually share with my boyfriend or my daughter but if they choose something I can't have then I order my own and get a to go box. It usually makes another 3 meals. I go out to eat to enjoy company NOT for the food anymore. I am a foodie and like to try new things but a couple of bites and I am done.

[ChrissyT]

Same thing from me, leftovers. When we are somewhere that I can't bring the leftovers home then I find myself pushing the rest of my food onto my husband since I didn't want to "waste" it. He politely asked me not to do that because he didn't want to gain weight as I am losing weight. I have not gotten to the point of ordering just soup, but I will soon enough because the dinner portions are just ridiculous.