First restaurant experience

[Jdebooserie]

It has been 4 weeks now since I got my sleeve done. My friends wanted to go eat out somewhere and took me to a vietnamese restaurant. As soon as I entered the door I saw a sign with lunch special: soup + eggroll for 6.99 dollars. I was thinking: okay i know what I am already ordering. So went in, sat at a table, ordered our food. First the waitress came with the eggroll, but not just an eggroll. There was also a small bowl of eggdrop soup with it. So I am already panicking that I ordered too much. Haha. I ate half the soup and went to the waitress to adk if she could already put it in a to go box for me, because I said I was full. She gave me the most confusing look! Haha.
It was kinda funny, because she is prolly thinking, such a big guy and cant even finish that small bowl of soup.
So now I have leftovers for three days!

What do you guys tell the waitress? Do you tell people you had surgery and cannot eat?

[Angella67]

Way to go on the first eating out experience! If they give me a funny look or ask if there was something wrong with the food, then I explain that I had surgery and can't eat much. Most don't even bat an eye...guess they are used to it. I have gotten to where I go ahead and ask them to bring a box when my food is delivered. So far, so good.

You are doing amazing, btw...keep up the great work!

[natex14]

That sounds like a typical experience for me early on. At first I would tell people that I had had stomach surgery, but only if they looked at me funny. Just so they knew that the food was good and I wasn't trying to be difficult. I know a lot of people will say, it's none of their business, and I agree, but you can get bad service quick because they think you are a jerk.

Now I can eat enough that I just don't look very hungry. I will typically share a meal with my wife or my kids, so it's not that noticeable and no one really says anything.

These are fun experiences though.

You are doing great.

[kenziesmom_2000]

I am an open book... if people ask or servers make comments ... I tell them! I have noticed when I act confident and proud of my decision people tend to respond positively.

[Ann2]

Hi, Jurgen,

You should just tell waitpersons what you told her -- that you want a to-go box, because you're full.

After all, YOU are the customer.

[kacie77]

LOL...great job!
When they ask you what you want to drink and you say nothing and they say are you sure and you say yes....total confusion!!!
Then a few minutes later when the "food" comes they ask again can I at least bring you some water...no thank you!

Now I just order the damn water and let it sit there.....

Food...I immediately ask for a togo box when my food arrives!
The only time I go out to eat is Wednesday lunch with co-workers....other than that, I cook everything!

It's just a waste of money for me and I always think...man that's a new shirt that I just spent on that food! (My food taste way better)

[Julesg1963]

Congrats to you on your first venture out in a restaurant. It is amazing how little we can eat isn't it? I always get a to-go box after my meal and have not had any wait staff give me strange looks. Seems like they've been so busy they don't think about it. I know it's much more common now than it used to be also. Also, my husband and I have started sharing meals and that works great, saves a little coin, etc. It's nice that you'll have leftovers for several days! Good luck to you!

[Jdebooserie]

I ordered water since it is free anyway and whenever one of my friends glass is empty, they just take mine.

Maybe I shouldve told them I had surgery. There could be a good amount of spit in my leftover right now. Haha

[bikrchk]

It won't be long until you can eat a bit more. You'll still have leftovers, but it won't feel\look so weird. I don't typically tell wait staff anything and they don't ask. It tens to make them nervous if I don't have a drink so I order water and typically give it to another diner at my table. Dates on the other hand, THEY notice I don't eat much and I've found its easier just to be honest and tell them I've had gastric surgery. They enjoy the fact that I'm "a cheap date" lol.

[ScouterJim]

I simply compliment the restaurant on giving such big portions. I also share my meal with my teenaged son. He now orders smaller meals and then finishes my left overs at the restaurant.

[one4sailn]

Way to go on the first eating out experience! If they give me a funny look or ask if there was something wrong with the food, then I explain that I had surgery and can't eat much. Most don't even bat an eye...guess they are used to it. I have gotten to where I go ahead and ask them to bring a box when my food is delivered. So far, so good.

You are doing amazing, btw...keep up the great work!

I say the same...something like, "I've recently had a medical procedure and simply can't each much. I loved what i had, though! I'd like a to-go box." And as Angel said, they never seem shocked, only helpful.

[one4sailn]

I am an open book... if people ask or servers make comments ... I tell them! I have noticed when I act confident and proud of my decision people tend to respond positively.

YES! Thank you for saying this. I have been open about my procedure since Day 1, and most my friends knew it was a desire of mine for the last 3-4 YEARS! When you are matter-of-fact, and excited and positive about what you're telling people, you are actually managing THEIR response, in a way. Well said, Nicole!

[Jdebooserie]

It won't be long until you can eat a bit more. You'll still have leftovers, but it won't feel\look so weird. I don't typically tell wait staff anything and they don't ask. It tens to make them nervous if I don't have a drink so I order water and typically give it to another diner at my table. Dates on the other hand, THEY notice I don't eat much and I've found its easier just to be honest and tell them I've had gastric surgery. They enjoy the fact that I'm "a cheap date" lol.

I told my mom before I left to Arkansas that I was gonna try to find a girl with the same surgery as me. She was wondering why and I told her because eating out would be very cheap.

[Chunky]

Great conversation. I have tween girls, and one is in a growth spurt and eats a ton, so she has been eating her meals and mine. Keep in mind, mine is a scoop of tuna or a cup of soup, etc - I eat my 1/4-1/3 a cup or so, and she eats the rest, plus hers. But she does tend to order smaller portions when we do this. Or, I will just share with my other daughter who eats light - but still, we seem to have food left.

It is still very weird to me. I have my surgery on the 22nd, so 5 days after you.

[leancow]

Hi Joe, I agree with Kacie, eating out is generally a ginormous waste of money, but at times necessary. It´s always nice to meet with friends and the best option in the beginning for me was soup. I have not responded to anything in awhile but I saw this and related as I am in Mexico and have to eat at restaurants. You´ll eventually love not having to need much food, but in the beginning get your protein. I´ve been bringing baggies with me to eat stuff later. At home my dog loves it when I go out as she has a great dinner. All the best on your journey. You´ll love eventually being able tp fit into clothes. I used to hate shopping for new clothes. Still don´t love it, but things fit...yeat!