My friend asked me to go to this restaurant on our birthday but I can't make it. I just looked at the pricing and they have a special pricing structure for bypass patients. I have never seen that before! Not quite right for the band (I sent an email asking if they can change it to bariatric surgery pricing) but it's still pretty cool.

http://www.shady-maple.com/smorgasbord/daily-menu-pricing/

When at a restaurant I find the lowest calorie lowest fat item on the menu. I order it and take home at least 1/2. With my job it's nice to re-heat a good meal instead of relyin on fast food.

When my husband and I go out to eat, he orders what I want so I can eat off his plate! Some people just don't understand!

My husband usually orders soup, and then shares my meal, whatever it is. We are also, over 55, and most restaurants around here have a senior menu which is a much smaller portion but not the same awful stuff they have on children's menus. I have been at a buffet once since surgery 2 1/2 years ago. And as others have said, it was not worth my money. Karen

My husband called ahead at a buffet and told them my situation. They gave me the 7-10 yr old pricing...which was nice but still ridiculous since my 3 yr old ate more than me.

I will go anywhere but it does get old paying for food you won't eat. I generally avoid buffets now but I would go for a family function. My strategy is tell waiter you had stomach surgery and can eat less than a cup of food. If he isn't ok with discounting the meal to a kids price then just enjoy what you eat and don't go back there. Or take some home to feed you for a few days.

Mostly, I handle this well by sharing meal with my daughter who eats about the same amount I do. Saves money and just ask for second plate.