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What is a Weight Loss Surgery Card?



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I've seen a few posts regarding a "Weight Loss Surgery Card" for eating out. I have never heard of this (neither my nut or surgeon said anything about it). Does anyone have one of these, and if so, how do you get one? What are they for? Do resturaunts know what they are or do you have to go through a long ordeal to explain it to them?

My curiosity is peaked...any insight is appreciated.

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I got mine at discharge from the hospital. It is supposed to allow you to eat off a senior or kids menu, I haven't tried it yet. I understand some places are ok with it and others aren't, trial and error.

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I am a private person and told almost no one about my surgery. I'm certainly not going to tell a restaurant just to eat crappy kids' meals and save $2.00. I order an appetizer or Soup, or I order a whole entree and take home what I can't finish. If you really want a card, ask your surgeon, I think that's how most people get them. Or print your own--they say something like, "The bearer of this card has had Weight Loss Surgery and can only eat small amounts of food. Please allow them to order off your children's menu."

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When I ordered the free sample Vitamins from Celebrate, they sent me the card. But I threw it away, seems much ado about nothing to me.

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I never asked for one, I just cant see telling some young waiter or waitress, Hey I used to be overweight and now I want a kids portion cause I had my stomach cut out to loose weight. All I could picture is this person walking about the rest my dining time thinking about and possibly sharing with co workers. I never shared all my other surgeries with strangers, so why this one.

Now my daughter on the hand has zero issue telling them and giving her card, let tell the screwed up look most of them get on their faces and then most say they have to ask their manager, then her business has become a big to do I would just rather do without. Some places flat out say no. To me it is just easier to split a meal with who ever I am with or get what I want and take the rest home.

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I am 4 weeks out and just used my card for the first time. My surgeon gave it to me at my preop apt. I have friends in town and I wanted to take them to this killer seafood buffet. I asked for a manager to see what my option was, the server asked if I had my card. I gave it to him and he charged me as a child.

I don't have a problem telling people...most of the time they are interested in my progress. When I go to a restaurant I will usually order a plated meal but it was a godsend when an adult buffet is $40 and a child is $12.

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Thanks for the input. I'm up in the air too - explaining what the card is and why I have it. I think I'll just assume ordering an appetizer and calling it a day :)

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Someone mentioned sharing a meal - around here they have a "surcharge" for sharing 6.95-10.95 to share - for that you can get your own meal. My plan is to take it home leftover for my husband. Most appetizer options we have are fried so I would never do that. And unfortunately many nice restaurants have spicy Soup options so that isn't an option either. Work with what you have - I sure wouldn't have a problem whipping out my card for that $40 seafood buffet!!

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Oh yeah, I forgot about that....! Thanks for the reminder ladies!

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