I was wondering what experiences people have had when eating at resturants? Do any of you have the lap band cards that supposedly inform the resturant that you need smaller portions? How has that worked out for you? Do the servers get really confused when you try to tell them you have a band?

I just pack up things and take them home! Went to a restaurant last week and ordered 10oz filet mignon vs the 5 oz one. I only ate a bit off the meat, little bit of potato and had a bit of salad then packed it all up and took it home. Hubby and I split a full 5oz one and half of the potato left over, and then we split the balance meat/potato the next day at lunch. So we actually got 4 meals out of 10oz steak and potato meal. We usually don't really hit up buffets or anything like that unless we absolutely have to because of who we are with. I have found that we both get gastric issues if we go and he is not even banded nor does he need to be. So we figure we really don't know who sneezes on things or fondles the food etc..lol.. and frankly alot of the stuff isn't that good for you anyway. We decided if we are going to eat things that are not so great for us make it something that we REALLY want vs just stuff that is there. He is doing the more small meals a day and splits a burger/sandwich/chicken breast with me so he feels better about eating lesser portions. It keeps me from overdoing it and he feels better too! One thing is interesting when the waitresses see you only eat a small portion I have been asked if everything is ok! I just reply that everything was good and I am taking the rest home. I only felt I think on one or two occassions that I said I have a band so I don't eat alot. It is interesting how you view your plate now vs pre band... how large the portions really are.

I have the card but don't use it. Frankly, I'd rather pay a couple extra dollars than deal with the strange and judgemental looks. I hear chain restaurants usually honor the cards though.

About a week after my surgery when I was on full liquids, our friend had a birthday dinner at Red Lobster so my husband and I went. I order just a cup of soup and the waitress was really rude and even came out and said " As your meal? IS that it?" She kept comming back and giving me weird looks. I just think of it this way... its their problem NOT yours. People are idiots it is what it is.. at the end of the day your happiness and how you view yourself is all that matters.

I don't bother with the card. Children's meals are usually high in fat (fried chicken fingers , pizza), or carbs (pasta). Another thing I've noticed the healthier your food choices the smaller the portions. A baked potato is usually kind of small whereas they serve huge portions of french fries. Most servers really don't care what I'm eating. I think they can tell I'm eating half the meal and bringing the rest home. In my entire life the only time I've had someone comment about ordering a small amount was at a upscale Italian place in Needham, MA that told me they had a per person minimum like $5. My friend and I were looking for a small snack.

I always share with my husband he usually gets some kind of chicken I have a bite or two and pick a side for myself such as applesauce or green beans or a small soup or side salad and add it to his meal

The one thing I have really started to do all the time is give them very explicate information like "no added butter, or sauces, broil instead of fry, all dressing on the side, eliminate some items from a salad(bacon)". this never bothers them but, I then feel like I have taken care of myself. One time I ordered salmon at the nice restaurant and asked them not to put any butter on the salmon once it was cooked. when the food came to the table it had a clear sauce that really tasted good with it. I was sure it was butter or something else that I didn't want added so I put a piece of silverware under the plate so the sauce was not near my salmon. the waitress came over to tell me that the chef had made a special sauce by cooking down some fresh fruit juice! OMG, I immediately took the silverware away and ate it!!!!

Most restaurants are happy to do most things you need done, so many people ask for special things! One time while watching Rocco DiSpirito on Dr. Oz, he mentioned that chefs always add butter to every finished product, always!!! that really made me think.

I love going out to eat!!! Love the leftovers....

Lots of good advice already given. I generally stick to a lean meat and veggie when I go out to eat. If it comes with a starch and I don't want it, I ask for extra veggies. Never had a problem with that.

For me, there are a few resturaunts in my area that I know has a dish I like. I love Ruby Tuesdays Creole catch. It's broiled fish and comes with zuchinni and spaggetti squash. They say on the menue it's about 350 calories. A little higher in cals then most my meals, but I see no harm once in a while. I stay away from mexican even though I love it. The chips are a killer and nothing very band friendly on the menu. I like a chinese resteraunt that has a "diet menu." They are steamed dishes with a sauce on the side. Usually shrimp or chicken. Not all have this option but I have found several that do. Many resteraunts have there menu online. You can check it out and see if there is anything appropriate. Also, planning ahead can make it easier not to succumb to the temptation of the "bad" stuff. Hope this helps.

Really?! There's a card?

Yes go to lapband.com or ask your doctor.. But a lot of resturants do not honor them

I used my card Friday @ applebees and got a kids grilled chicken sandwich, took off the bun dipped in honey mustard and was good to go. So far all the servers have been really nice in many different restaurants. Sometimes I'll say I've had surgery and can only eat small portions, other times I'll have enough left over from a regular meal to eat around 3 meals. My surgeons office gave me a paper card, then lapband mailed me a hard plastic one w/ my name and surgery date on it.

I've never used the card, and do enjoy the leftovers. I just look for menu items which meet my needs, substitute a steamed veggie or a small salad with dressing on the side for a starch.

Chick fil-a has a kid's meal with grilled chicken nuggets and a fruit cup side order. Perfect for me, and my grandsons enjoy getting the toys and books that come with the meals.

As previously written by others, if someone on the restaurant staff has an attitude, it's their issue and not yours...