Today's my birthday and my mom is begging to take me out to dinner (when I told her no -- since I hadn't lost any weight since my last fill -- she threw a fit and said I didn't love her, etc.).

Anyway, I'm looking for suggestions for restaurants and the friendliest lap-band item to order from there.

As long as you have grilled chicken or fish and maybe a vegetable you should be fine. Just order something that you know you can have on your diet. Check your portions and don't over eat. You know what your body will allow and your band. Good luck! And Happy Birthday!

First of all, I think it's awful that your mom played the "you don't love me" card to force you to go out...that's low...

That said, if you decide to go out, my suggestion is to go online and check the menu for any restaurant you are interested in going to. Fish is normally a good choice because it is flaky and you don't normally have to deal with it being overcooked like chicken or steak can be. Also, don't be afraid to ask for them to prepare your food differently - grilled vs. fried, sauce on the side, etc.

Eating out isn't difficult if you have a plan...go out and have fun!

Happy Birthday!

Seafood! Fish is a great choice and low calories. I also love crab legs. Low calorie, high protein and takes forever to eat so you feel satisfied. Just stay away from the butter. I use cocktail sauce to dip in. Happy Birthday! Enjoy your night out!

Seafood is an excellent choice. Just make sure it's grilled or baked. I had sushi over the weekend. It was amazing! I thought for sure I had gained weight, even though I only had 4 rolls but actually lost 3 lbs! You have to eat to lose right? Happy birthday!!

So how was your birthday dinner? Hope it was happy, and tasty!

Most restaurant chains are now mandated to list the calories for each meal. It has been a great help to me. I often also ask for their nutritional information sheet, as it also lists the Protein. I go for the lowest calorie/highest protein stuff, which is usually fish, but sometimes chicken or veggie burger. But if I go to a mexican restaurant, I usually get a taco salad with chicken, and eat maybe half of it.

I have found restaurants that let you order off of the children's menu, like Crackerbarrel and Chili's. Some places won't let me order off of the children's menu, so I avoid those places. Also, I ask for a "to-go" box as soon as my food arrives, and put in the box what I am not going to eat. An empty plate attracts less attention in a restaurant than a plate full of food that I won't eat.

Good luck with all of this!!

I have found restaurants that let you order off of the children's menu, like Crackerbarrel and Chili's. Some places won't let me order off of the children's menu, so I avoid those places. Also, I ask for a "to-go" box as soon as my food arrives, and put in the box what I am not going to eat. An empty plate attracts less attention in a restaurant than a plate full of food that I won't eat.

Good luck with all of this!!

But be careful with the children's menu-- it's usually fried/high carb stuff! I find the "fit" section, or going by the nutritional info, the safest bet. But I like your idea of getting the to-go box right away!

I noticed you are a newbie to the site! Welcome! When were you banded? How are you doing? Super good luck to you! This site has been a great support system for me! Hope it is for you, too!

I went out for Mexican last week on order of the side menu. My chicken enchilada came with no beans or rice and was perfect for me. And did I mention only 3.99!

I have went to numerous restaurants since being banded and find that as long as I get the chicken or seafood everything is okay. Hope you enjoyed your night out!

thanks for the idea for the chicken enchilada. I am eating mexican tomorrow with my son's family and wondered if beans were going to be it. I am transitioning from soft to regular foods and I think that will work just fine.

I went out for Mexican last week on order of the side menu. My chicken enchilada came with no Beans or rice and was perfect for me. And did I mention only 3.99!

Great idea! Thanks!

AMAZING weight loss in 6 months, by the way!! Super congrats!!

I saw that some of you do not eat refried beans. Maybe a no brainer, but is it because of the gas or what is the reason. I'm asking because I considered refried beans a good source of protien and a soft, mushie food, so I order them. I just want to avoid some trials if possible.

I saw that some of you do not eat refried Beans. Maybe a no brainer, but is it because of the gas or what is the reason. I'm asking because I considered refried beans a good source of protien and a soft, mushie food, so I order them. I just want to avoid some trials if possible.

I eat refried beans, my dr. said they are good for Protein but the only thing to watch the quantity because there are a lot of carbs in them but as with everything else, portion is what she said to watch out for. BTW, when I graduated to the mushy stage that was the first thing I ate. I don't know why but I was craving them and she said a lot of people do for some reason.

Thanks DawnH. I love refried beans and I've been having those cravings. I think I've eaten more in the past week than I have in a lifetime.

I was given a Patient Information card while in the hospital by the Nutritionist it comes from lapband.com with my surgery date, dr & my name. I was told to carry it for medical reasons and for restaurants to allow this person to order smaller portions.. Is this a standard procedure, has anyone used them at a restaurant and what type of response did you get?