Today was the first day since I had surgery that we decided to go out to eat. I realized, there are way too many incompetent people out there. First we went to Wendys. I ordered a small chili and minute maid 15 calorie lemonade. They gave me a 'natural' lemonade and said they no longer had the other (even though it was an option on their fountain drinks). I asked them if it had sugar in it and they said no. So, I almost drank it. Then decided to look it up. In the 16 oz cup, it had 25 grams of sugar!! I took it back up there and complained and she acted like I was crazy.

Then, my Mom took us to a mexican place. I ordered a regular taco salad which should of had chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato. They gave me something that had all that plus green peppers, onions, and like two inches of grease. I complained, and the guy couldn't speak enough english to understand what I was saying, so I ate a few bites. I am now trying to fight the urge to vomit (TMI).

It will be a long time before I EVER eat out again.

He can understand English. He just didn't want to at that point. Kind of like going to the Chinese restaurant and they act like they don't understand you and they have been in the country for 20 years.

This has been one of my biggest struggles going out. I'm 6 months out and had similar experiences with restaurants.

I pre screen all the restaurants now. Legally chain restaurants have to have their calorie count, including fat, sodium, Protein etc counts posted either in the restaurant or online. You can ask the staff for the nutrition information. What I've found is the best thing to do is to order an add on to someone else's meal, It cuts the cost and you can get like an add on of grilled shrimp, or something, and in most chain places you can ask for them to be prepared without oil. Don't be afraid to ask how something is prepared, no one likes dumping, or vomiting in automatic toilets (that's another story).

My fitness pal on my phone is one of the best eating out tools. Sure it takes me 20 minutes to order, but they aren't paid for me to be as fast as I can now are they? I ALWAYS order Water. I Never order lemonaid or anything like that, not even power-aid or whatever there is so much sugar in them, and even if there isn't, there is usually sucrolose (splenda) (which i am sensitive to, give me really bad bathroom issues and cramps) not to mention, the sodium content is astronomical. I just order water, it's easier.

And, when in doubt, don't eat out.

You'll be alright, it takes time to learn how to work our new pouches, and our new restrictions and guidelines, and don't be afraid to be picky, they want your money, and if they want it again, they will do what you want them to do. : )

Good luck.

I feel worse today then I did yesterday. I think if I could vomit I would feel better.

You will find your go to restaurants. Mine is Soup from Panera, weight watchers meal on Applebee's menu and any seafood not fried.

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tGI Fridays has 'share' plates....last night I had 3 meatballs, little sauce, little cheese, they were delicious. And no sides and such so pretty much just meat.

HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 198

I was given a card from my surgeon asking restaurants to let me order from the kid's menu or ask for smaller portion cooked to order. I've used it twice now.

I got the card too but so many kids menus are just crap!

HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 198