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.

I usually order an appetizer to share and Soup, but all the suggestions are very good. I love seafood and it's a great choice. Crab legs always go down well and I agree that they take time to eat. If you order chicken make sure it's not dried out or it can get stuck. Stay away from all bread/pasta items.

Basically no places are off limits- you just need to think small portions and healthy choices.

Yes, I got a card from my physician also. I haven't used the card yet because my husband and I have been trying something new...we order one meal and split it. It saves money and calories. No one notices anything because we also have kids that order adult meals.

Mexican is always a good choice. I ordered 2 tacos the other day and ate about 1.4 of them before getting momentarily stuck. I second the post about it not being good that your mom's retort was that you don't love her. That is a manipulative and odd reaction for a well adjusted person. Next time she says something like that, just say in a very matter of fact way, "yep, guess so" and leave it at that.

I've also found Mexican food to be good. 1 enchilada, I ask for extra Beans and no rice. Usually have enough for two meals. Some people can't eat flour tortillas. Corn tortillas seem better.

Fish is great. I had some red snapper the other day and it went down easily. Soup is always easy too.