Weight Loss Surgery - Eating Out...

I'm a newbie still in the planning stages for WLS, but am wondering how everyone deals with eating out in restaurants? Do you tend to share a meal with someone else? Order a kids meal? Do you ever try to show a "surgery card" (no clue what it's called...:dizzy:)? Hopefully I won't be eating out much after the surgery, but am trying to prepare for my vacation. Any info. appreciated!

Tiffany

Eating out is easy-there are always low carb entrees-chicken, fish, salads. Absolutely share if you 're with someone who like the same food as you. When I traveled with my mom-she never wanted the same thing as I did so i left a lot of food behind. Or would try to pick something that would save/reheat well. I tend to order off the appetizer list-smaller portions and there's almost always something strictly protein-based. Seared scallops, chicken satay, etc. Early on-I ordered soup or scrambled eggs with cheese.]

i think everyone has a different approach. first of all, i tend to order things that will re-heat well. some people order appetizers - i prefer to order an entree [carefully chosen].

as for whether or not to tell the waitstaff that i've had surgery - it's on a case-by-case basis. some waitstaff get upset when i've only eaten a few bites - they think something is wrong with the food. i tell them that it's wonderful but that i'm full and ask them to wrap it. BUT, if i go to a restaurant on a fairly regular basis, i just tell them about the surgery and my limits, and it becomes a non-issue. every once in awhile, someone asks another Q or two, and it's not really their business, but i add something about the fact that it saved my life and i'm doing quite well.

sometimes i share, but i also have noticed that it's much harder to share with someone who's had surgery than with someone who hasn't. and that's because the choice of food often involves more than 'what am i in the mood for.' surgery tends to make people a little more finicky - i can't eat cooked spinach without risk, and for a long time, raw onions were the worst. but other people have DIFFERENT reactions, so it's harder to agree on something we can both eat.

just my two cents!

I use my surgery card ( I call it my get out of paying full price card hehe) when I dine at the Chinese restaurant and I've only been there 3 times in the last 3 years but they are very awesome about applying a child price even though they watch you like a hawk. :D
Like Jiffy said sharing is tough. I have noticed most people are all about the bread and that's a no no for me. I'll order soup, chicken, eggs or vegs/fruit. It was so hard for me to eat out after having the surgery done as I found I was having a very bad emotional time not eating like everyone else so I tend to avoid it. I have learned after 3 years but it's still hard for me.
Best of luck!

Oh, I am an EXPERT in this field :p

I HATE cooking. Period. I hate the preparation, the planning, the cleanup...and the extent of my husband's cooking abilities include cooking a frozen pizza in the oven. So, we eat out. A lot. I'm sure this will change when we've got a baby, but this has been our lifestyle for years.

I don't share meals with anyone. I just bring home leftovers - aka, lunch (often multiple lunches) for the next day(s).

I don't usually order off the kids' menu because it's usualy full of carby crap like mac n cheese, grilled cheese, cheeseburger and fries, breaded chicken fingers, etc.

I don't often bother trying to do appetizers for the same reason (life would be easier if I liked shrimp, but I don't, so the options of things I do like are usually, again, carby crap!).

So, I order a normal entree. I choose a meat that is not breaded or battered and pair it with a non-starchy side dish. I'll even eat fast food - just burgers or grilled chicken sandwiches without the bun.

DISCLAIMER: I believe 110% that fat is NOT bad and does not need to be avoided as long as you eat low in carbs (there are studies to support this). Even though I technically have a DS, it is not a standard DS, and I still only ever had about the same amount of intestinal bypass as a proximal RNY, resulting in only minimal and temporary malabsorption of calories. I firmly believe that a low-carb, high-fat way of eating is the healthiest way for most people (barring specific health conditions), surgery or not, so that is how I eat. I also do not (and never did after surgery) count calories.

Here are common examples of meals I enjoy when eating out:

cheeseburger (no bun, with bacon if I'm feeling like it) with side salad or non-starchy veggie in place of fries (most places have broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or "mixed vegetables" that usually include squash and zucchini or something similar)
grilled chicken OR steak OR pork chops (non breaded) OR fish (non breaded) entree with salad or non-starchy veggie side
large entree salad with lots of protein toppings like grilled or roasted chicken, hard boiled egg, cheese, and a non-sugary dressing (early out, I would only be able to eat a bit of the toppings, none of the lettuce. Even now, I usually end up leaving behind a lot of the lettuce because it's too much)
large entree grilled chicken (or steak or shrimp) caesar salad, no croutons
fajitas with no tortillas, no rice, no beans; just mix the meat, veggies, salsa, cheese, sour cream, and maybe guacamole together on a plateSome tips and specifics I really enjoy include the following:

Ruby Tuesday - they offer mashed cauliflower and spaghetti squash (as well as a few other non-potato, non-corn veggies) as sides dishes on their regular menu.
Chipotle - I get a "burrito bol" of just meat, mild salsa, cheese, sour cream, and lettuce (add guac if the mood and wallet allow).
KFC grilled chicken - 'nuff said!
Diners - breakfast foods are always good for protein and low-carb options (but be careful at places like IHOP where they add pancake batter to their omelettes - ask, and they will leave it out).
When I was early out, I would order French onion soup with no bread/croutons, and I would just eat the cheese off the top and then eat most of the broth and leave the actual onions at the bottom of the dish. This would be a whole meal for me.
I like sweet condiments like bbq sauce, honey mustard, and thousand island dressing, so I will order those if I want them and then also order a side of mayo or sour cream, then mix the sugary condiment into the mayo or sour cream and use it that way. I end up using WAY less of the actual sugary condiment this way while still getting enough of the flavor I was looking for.
I do order a glass of water with my meals. I have a sleeved stomach, so I can drink with meals, but I usually don't simply because I don't have room for both food AND liquid. I order the water simply to make it easier on the server (I've been a server before, and I know I've been freaked out when I though I FORGOT to bring someone a drink when they simply hadn't ordered one - no need to cause undue stress in an already stressful job!). I've never personally found the need to use a restaurant surgery card nor to tell my server I've had WLS. I don't use the cards because I figure I certainly ate more than my fair share BEFORE my surgery, and they didn't charge me EXTRA, so I don't think it's fair to expect the opposite now. On the rare occasions I have ordered off the kids' menu, I've always just asked politely if they would allow me to do so. In more than 2.5 years, I've never had a server tell me no. I've also never had anyone question me if I do order an appetizer as my entree. When I was early out and not eating much, some servers did ask me if the food was okay because it looked barely touched. I just told them I was full or wasn't very hungry and asked for a box.

:eek:Wow! Thank you SO much for the wonderful ideas!! All of the ideas are very helpful...I really appreciate it!! :goodvibes

jillybean...You have really given me hope. We eat out every single night, and I have been worried about how it is all going to work. I do have alot of changes to make, and I do plan to cook more than I do now (which once a month would meet that goal... :rofl:). But, I don't want to feel overwhelmed with so many changes that I get frustrated. I will definitely have to start planning & preparing my breakfast & lunch to take to work, so that's a huge step right there. It is nice to know that when I do have to eat out, there are several options!

Has anyone have any other ideas for eating while on vacation (@ Disney), or on the Disney Cruise? I know I can order anything I want while I'm there, but the willpower & motivation will have to be extremely high! Yes, I'm not only a disneyfan, I'm a disneyFOODfan... :hun:

Thanks again everyone! :hug:

I went to Disneyland in June at 5 months out. I packed a bunch of protein bars, protein powder (Click) and blender bottle, and cashews. I ate a lot of salads, had chx parm one night in downtown disney and had chowders. I really didn't eat that much-you're just so busy and chx salads and shrimp cocktails fill you up fast! We did do a couple character meals which I just sucked up and tried to not think of the waste of money . . . .Buffets are great-plenty of options. Food-wise, you'll be fine. But it's a good idea to take protein shakes with you and don't forget your vitamins.

I just went to Disney just this past April and I have to admit I had no fluid in my band so I didn't have to much of an issue. It wasn't planned like that but do to my band slipping a months before, I just choose not to fill it till after the vacation and well it's my fault I gained like 10 lbs.
I guess it will be like eating out here but just make sure you have easy to carry snack food to keep your blood sugar up if your having a tough time with getting food down. Since you very far away from your doctor just take it easy with food.

I will definitely have to start planning & preparing my breakfast & lunch to take to work, so that's a huge step right there.
heh, I usually end up with plenty of leftovers from dinner to have for lunch the next day! Or breakfast - no rules saying you MUST have "breakfast foods" for breakfast. I've been known to have some leftover steak and broccoli at 9am!

OH, and when you order a steak at a restaurant, order it to be cooked one level of doneness LESS than usual (for example, if you like medium, order med rare). That way, you can eat around the outer edges when the food arrives (edges are cooked more than the inside), and then the rest will be cooked a bit more when you reheat it the next day. This has saved me from many an overcooked leftovers meal!

As for travel, I've not been to Disney, so I can't offer specifics, but when I go to buffets, I just get various types of meats and maybe a salad (I'm super picky about veggies, so I don't usually go for those). You likely won't be able to eat more than one plate of food, anyway (less if it's early out). When I went to San Diego, I kept some protein bars and shakes in the mini fridge in out hotel room and a couple of the bars in my purse.

I love the steak idea! Smart thinking!! :cp:

What is this surgery card? I am about 17 months out and my doctor never mentioned it, nor did anyone I know. I wouldn't want some card saying I had gastric bypass. I just box what I can't eat and take it home. Sometimes if I am feeling self concious about how much I have left, I make my husband eat some of it. ha.

I think if you google image "bariatric surgery card" you can find some pics of them. My center never gave or mentioned one either, but I would never use it. Heck, I haven't told many of my friends I had the surgery. I can't imagine telling strangers about it.

I can understand those who wouldn't want to use it but if you the type that eats out a lot for whatever reason it does help when you can get the kiddo portion. Also it makes it easier to have things made for you without the hassle. I know...we pay for them to feed us but we know how it goes :)
I don't mind pulling out my card...I could care less what they think :D

I agree. I don't care what anyone thinks about me using the card, or having surgery. I can see how people may not want to deal with it though. I haven't had the surgery yet, but I don't mind sharing my story with people if they ask. Maybe I can help one person that needs it, even if it's just by information that is passed along to them from someone else I told about it. I realize there are people that will have their own opinions about it being the "easy way out", and I don't feel the need to defend myself. They can think what they want! :dizzy:

Five years ago, I heavily researched having WLS and was talked out of it at the time. What got me thinking about it again? A stranger talking about her own WLS during a "shared-table" Japanese dinner one night! :) I couldn't stop thinking about our discussion, it stayed with me for days! And, here I am now... :D Ready for change. And maybe I can help someone else, even if just by casual conversation!

For me, not using the card has nothing to do with not wanting to let people know I've had surgery. I'm VERY open with just about anyone who will listen about my surgery!

I quite like having leftovers (especially when you eat out often, like I do - get 2-3 meals instead of just 1; it's actually more cost effective than 2-3 separate smaller meals at restaurant prices!), especially when the kids' menu is usually full of junk food (I will say there are a handful of restaurants who offer things like sirloin tips for kids, but usuals are chicken fingers, mac n cheese, grilled cheese, hotdog, cheeseburger, and maybe pasta - I don't think I'll even have my kids eating off the kids' menu most of the time :dizzy: ), and I've never needed a card for a server to let me order what I want if I just ask politely, anyway *shrug*

I have heard of people using their card at a buffet where they will then allow you to pay by the weight of your food or kids' price instead of the usual adult price, so that might make sense, but I've never bothered to try. I threw out the card the day I got it in the mail from my surgeon's office :p

how do people manage at a buffet? and i'm asking this because i COMPLETELY avoid them - i don't feel i can be trusted! the one occasion i ended up at a buffet was one of those Japanese places - and i don't eat raw fish [bad memories]. i took one small spoon of everything i liked - and believe me, it was a good selection from the 100 or so dishes there - and i ignored the 25 plates of raw fish and most of the fried stuff and most of the carbs - i could not eat half of it.

does anyone have a strategy?

True, so many of the kids meals are not healthy at all. I will probably do the same as you & have leftovers to take home. Definitely makes it easier as to "what to cook the next day"... ;)

Buffets are scary to me too. I so hope I am going to be able to deal effectively with the head hunger. I usually leave buffets feeling like crap, from eating way too much.

At buffets, I usually take a plate full of different kinds of MEAT! I take a bite of each to see which my favorites are and only eat those that I really enjoy since I know I don't have room for all of them. Sometimes, I'll also take a plate of salad from the salad bar, but I either just take a small amount or don't eat it all. Even after more than 2.5 years, my eyes are still bigger than my stomach!

At the buffet I always start with my soup. I will then get up and get a bite of a few items that I HAVE to have. I never fill up the plate but I make sure it's covered so I feel like I have a large plate of food. I take my time because I will not go back up for more. I then will go up for a small bowl of ice cream or some type of little soft cake IF I feel like I have room...if not I skip it. Like I have said I have only been to a buffet a few times since my band and have done very well.

hmmm. soup. i was told that soup- unless it's high protein or a plain broth - wasn't a good choice because it would fill me up without a lot of nutrients [because the veggies and things would wash right through with the liquid]

i guess that's one of the differences between the bypass and the band!

hmmm. soup. i was told that soup- unless it's high protein or a plain broth - wasn't a good choice because it would fill me up without a lot of nutrients [because the veggies and things would wash right through with the liquid]

i guess that's one of the differences between the bypass and the band!

Soup for the band is a slider food unless it's a heavy vegetable soup it kind of moves though and softens the pouch a bit. My plan with eating the soup is it takes up time to have a bowl while everyone else is stuffing their face and I don't feel to left out LOL When I move on to my sampling I am able to pick a little more than normal and I am not left in a lot of pain. So it's a bit of "cheating" but then again that is why I don't make it a habit to eat out :D

At 11 years post-op gastric bypass I showed my card one time at Red Lobster and was refused to be allowed to order from the child's menu. I was newly post op and couldn't hold much of anything. I just got up and left and wrote to the corporate office but in the end I just quit worrying about it and became the queen of leftovers.

For buffets my strategy is like jilly's. I got for meat and may put a spoon of a couple other sides. I then eat slowly and quit when full rather than overdoing it. I will admit for years I resented it when I had to go to a buffet as I felt like it was a total waste of money and before I learned my limits I had spent my fair share of time hurling due to a bad food choice or dumping. Eventually though I got the hang of it and that is when I discovered that by not worrying about stuffing my face it gave me more time to actually converse and enjoy the experience.

I do love soup and eat it when I can. I LOVE the pasta e fagioli at Olive Garden, won ton and egg drop mixture at chinese restaurants, chicken tortilla, vegetable and beef or chicken and noodle at other places.

For breakfasts on the go I used to go to places where you could get things a la carte and I would get a couple scrambled eggs with cheese, some bacon and/or sausage. It was awesome! Lunches were leftovers usually.

Hope this helps.

Kellye

At 11 years post-op gastric bypass I showed my card one time at Red Lobster and was refused to be allowed to order from the child's menu. I was newly post op and couldn't hold much of anything.
This has NOTHING to do with the card or the child's menu, but this reminded me that when we went to Red Lobster when I was pretty early out, they had an appetizer of bacon-wrapped scallops that was DELICIOUS! We don't go there often, so I don't know if they still even have it, but it was an excellent choice at the time :)

This has NOTHING to do with the card or the child's menu, but this reminded me that when we went to Red Lobster when I was pretty early out, they had an appetizer of bacon-wrapped scallops that was DELICIOUS! We don't go there often, so I don't know if they still even have it, but it was an excellent choice at the time :)

I am not a seafood person but my first husband was so I went but was so newly post op that an appetizer would have been ridiculous as would the childs plate even. I had heard of so many people who had used their card with ke problems but of course my luck just Had to be different LOL. Now eating out is no problem. I order whatever I want and automatically ask for a doggie bag. My current husband and I have identical tastes in food so the leftovers will get eaten by one or both of us.

Take care,
Kellye

I am not a seafood person but my first husband was so I went but was so newly post op that an appetizer would have been ridiculous as would the childs plate even.
Oh, I think the appetizer came with 4 scallops, and I only ate 1.5-2 of them and let my husband have the rest :P

Scallops sound wonderful...I'll be on the lookout for them!