Months back I read about a 'card' that Banders can carry in our wallets for when we go out to eat; asking for the courtesy of a 1/2 portion, or the ability to be allowed to eat off the childrens menu.

Does anyone know where I can get it?

Yup...I'm about to become a 'cheap date'!!

:clap2:

I got one from my surgeon's office when I went in for my first post-op appointment. I've never carried it. The one I have seems to be from Inamed and doesn't request the carrier be allowed to order off the children's menu, it pretty much just says "This person has a gastric band to help with weightloss. They can only eat 2 - 4 oz, or about 1/4 cup of food, at a time."

I will either order an appetizer and share it, order a regular entree and take the rest home for future meals/DH to eat, or order off the kid's menu. I've been doing this 10 months and have never once had a problem a waitor/waitress refusing to let me order. The most common thing I get is concern that the food was OK, since I've not eaten much of it.

The most common thing I get is concern that the food was OK, since I've not eaten much of it.

We get that a LOT. I think people see me and DH, two overweight people not eating, and assume there must be something wrong with the food.

I find I don't order off the children's menu as often as I thought I would, because the choices aren't all that healthy or appealing. I have ordered off the seniors menu, usually the waitress doesn't say a word, the few times they have I've just said that I had WLS surgery and can't eat much, and they've been fine with that.

I have a Lap Band Patient Identification Card from Inamed; it was in the product literature I received just after being banded. It has lots of good information in the event you are in need of emergency assistance. I carry it in my wallet just behind my drivers license. Saturday, I received a 25% medical discount at Souper Salad; not much money but a great sense of satisfaction at being able to get such a discount.

I recall a thread sometime back that mentioned several restaurant chains that offer discounts to Bandits.

Sometimes when I go out to eat with my family ,we order an appetizer and an extra plate.I get a little bit of everyone elses plate. Other times the child menu is great...I even get my own toy!!! Lol

I have the Inamed card....never thought about using it in a restaraunt. I tell the waiter/waitress that I am a supermodel and thats why I leave over so much food.

Saul ...you too????

I'm an overfed model. I have an awesome body, I just keep it cover with fat to prevent it from getting scratch!!! Lol

I'm looking at Inamed...how do you get the card??

My Inamed card was in my box from the band, has the identification numbers etc. on it. My fill Dr. gave me one, stating that I had had WLS, and would appreciate being able to order off of the childrens, or seniors menu, etc. I have never used either one for that purpose!!! I have taken my Inamed card out in a restaurant, to show the waitress who was interested a picture on the card! I too tell them I have had weight loss surgery, and can only eat a small amount--they have most all been accomodating. Only one local restaurant refused to allow me to order from the childrens menu, and we just have never went back. I agree, many childrens menu options are not worth it, I do not care for fries with everything!!! Chili's has been awesome in accomodating me (we go often for lunch). Other places, I just pay for the buffet, and feel it is worth it for the night out, the company I am in, and figure it is their way of getting even for how much I ate prior to banding!!!

Kat

My surgeon gave it to me...but call them at 805-683 6761 and they should mail you one.

Thank you for the info. I'll ask my surgeon for my card.

Saul ...you too????

I'm an overfed model. I have an awesome body, I just keep it cover with fat to prevent it from getting scratch!!! Lol

Now that's absolutely hilarious!!

Bill (Who also wants to be a super-model!)

Hey we may not be voluptuos just yet, but eventhough we are a little "balluptuous" now, with time and effort we'll be there soon!!!

Good luck!!

I don't think the card really has to be something official. Obesity Help has a bunch of templates to make your own cards. I've never used them, and I've never asked for a discount. I guess I kind of feel like there are plenty people who don't eat that much at a meal and they don't ask for a discount either. Lots of places will do half portions just for the asking regardless of the reason too. Usually I just bring the leftover home for later.

I often get "Is everything ok?" One waitress asked so many times my fiance finally explained everything to her when I was away from the table, lol.

MariMaru:

Way to go on your weight loss!!!!

How tall are you?? I wonder what will be the ideal weight for me??

What about all the people that have other health issues? They could have cancer or something else that prohibits them from eating much. I find restaurants can and will be accommodating. The first thing should be to get what you want in the portions you want and the second consideration should be price. I don't much care about the price, but getting the right kind of food in a portion that I can eat is my goal. I don't share my medical information with anyone, let alone a restaurant. It isn't their business WHY I can't eat as much.

If I can't find what I really want or need on the menu then I know I need to make a different choice of restaurants next time. Just my opinion. When I go out to eat its for social reasons so I'm willing to pay that cost.