Ordering at restaurants?

[tigermom12 34]

I am pre-sleeve and also from the "clean your plate" club. When I was a kid...I couldn't get up from the table until my plate was clean. That is a very hard habit to break. So this got me to thinking about ordering out at restaurants. If you order from the kids menu....do you get any resistence from the waitstaff? I guess I could just order from the main menu and take home whatever is left over. I just hate wasting food!

A friend of mine who had the sleeve done about a year and a half ago says that I better get used to wasting food. What are your thoughts?

[Mrs Havelock 154]

My husband and my dog have both put weight on since my surgery. I've not yet managed to finish even half a child's portion, six months post op. My advice is to always underestimate what you can eat, and even then it'll probably be too much. When you think you're full - you are. Practice leaving an amount on your plate now, then you won't be tempted to eat that one bite too much and feel awful post-sleeve. Good luck, Sarah (6 mths and 144lbs down)

[jmiller2013 6]

Ask for a box when your meal comes and pack up half before you even start eating. Your stomach will tell you when you can't eat anymore.

[FibroDiva 60]

I am pre-sleeve and also from the "clean your plate" club. When I was a kid...I couldn't get up from the table until my plate was clean. That is a very hard habit to break. So this got me to thinking about ordering out at restaurants. If you order from the kids menu....do you get any resistence from the waitstaff? I guess I could just order from the main menu and take home whatever is left over. I just hate wasting food!

A friend of mine who had the sleeve done about a year and a half ago says that I better get used to wasting food. What are your thoughts?

I recently attended a retreat where all kinds of goodies were served nonstop. A waiter asked why I wasn't endulging like all the other attendees. I responded, "I have a rare physical deformity, I don't have a stomach". He replied, "you know when you go out to eat, if you quietly tell your waiter about that, most times you can be accommodated with smaller portions. Don't be embarrassed to speak up and ask for what you need". I've been following his advice. I find if you say you had bariatric surgery, some people don't know what you're talking about.

[TvlGrl712 113]

I've never been a "left over" eater before, but i am now, because I hate thought of wasting all that money. A restaurant meal will usually be 3 meals for me at least. And sometimes (if we can agree on something), I'll share a meal with the hubby.

Edited November 1, 2013 by TvlGrl712

[lnelson796 117]

I have not had any problems with ordering from the kids menu, I don't even have to tell them I had surgery they just say no problem. I've also told the waitress at Breakfast that I just can't eat much so can I just ordered an egg and they accomodate me with no questions.

[KimMarh 99]

I usually order an appetizer if they have no fried items or Soup

[Bufflehead 6,358]

I usually just order an appetizer, or if nothing looks weight-loss friendly, I order a main course (hold any grains, starchy veg) and take a lot of leftovers home. I can't eat an entire appetizer either but somehow it doesn't seem quite worth it to box up and take home a couple of ounces of seared tuna or something.

I don't order off the kids' menu just because the stuff there as a general rule is not good - lots of deep fried white and brown stuff.

Also, no matter what I order, I tip as though I ordered a main course. I figure it's not the waiter's fault that I had bariatric surgery and can't eat much!

[lnelson796 117]

Actually many kids meals are including healthier options these days. I can get roasted chicken, steak, grilled chicken, at most places we go. At our Mexican restaurant I can get a kids meal with one taco and refried Beans, then I take all the filling out of the taco and mix it with the beans, and still can't finish the whole thing. Obviously won't work everywhere you go but it's at least worth looking at the kids menu and seeing what your options are.

[southernsoul 773]

I'm a lot like Bufflehead...I often order an appetizer if there's something decent. If I order a main course I choose something that will hold well as leftovers. I have never ordered from the kid's menu, because the ones I have looked at have such crappy food...and doesn't THAT say a lot about how we teach our children to eat! A couple of my favorite local places have been great about fixing me a half portion of my favorite items & they only charge me half price. And I always tip as though I ordered a full meal.

[Sassygirl06 962]

Usually I just order a side of something....but sometimes when I am out with my youngest child (10) I will have her order a child's plate of what I want and I will order An adult plate of what she wants, which usually turns out just right. For the times when I don't have her I will ask for a to go plate right after they bring me my food. I will end up putting most of the food in the to go box and have a few meals out of it. It also keeps them from thinking that I didn't like the food. They usually think that I am just in a hurry. Good luck!

[LipstickLady 25,682]

I have two teen girls and my husband. I usually just ask for an extra plate and I take a few bites of whatever they are having.

If I am out with people who wouldn't be amused by my thievery, I order a side salad with added Protein or an app. Kids' meals work at places like Chipotle where the dish is just a mini adult version, but as I cannot eat chicken, there usually aren't many ME friendly choices.

Don't overlook the SIDES menu, too. I can usually order a side of veggies and ask another diner to ask for an add on of protein to their dinner. Always look at the menu online before you go so you can plan ahead and order seamlessly with everyone else, especially if you are with people who don't know.

Last option? Sometimes I don't eat at all. I no longer feel the need to eat just because it's meal time. If I am not hungry, I don't eat. Instead, I get a cup of coffee or (gasp!) a bloody mary, and sit back and enjoy the compnay.

[rocknrollmama1980 20]

I agree with all the above but if I am sharing off my husband I do tip extra:)

[marfar7 1,528]

I've only attempted to use my WLS Card my dr gave me once. Hometown Buffet. They refused to accept it. Too bad cuz Im truly a waste of money at a buffet I always order off the regular menu and end up bringing at least 2/3 of whatever it is home. Sometimes (like at Chipotle) it ends up being about 4 extra meals for me. I end up tossing it in a couple days when Im sick of it.

I don't order off the kids menu cuz its usually crap (pizza, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese). I have several times ordered off the senior menu (most places will give it to u without ID) but its not much less than a regular portion. Just cheaper

[sanks51 214]

I usually order fish off the main menu. Our favourite restaurant has all kinds of fish and the potatoes and veggies are added extras. Works perfectly for me. I find most appetisers or children's menu's are not in line with my attempt at 'clean eating'. I don't feel embarrassed to ask for a doggie bag and take my leftovers home. I usually drink my glass of wine before we order.