I'm 6 wks + a few days post-VSG; 30 pounds down (including a week of stall). Last night for the first time, I went to a restaurant for a sit-down dinner. I usually ordered an appetizer, entree, wine and maybe a dessert. So this was different: 1) holding off on my Water to save room for my food; 2) passing up on ordering any wine/martini; 3) do I just get an appetizer, knowing that that amount is all I'd likely be able to eat?; 4) do I get the entree only? 5) do I tell the waitress why 'no' to this/'no' to that?

I ended up only ordering an entree (which, early-bird included a soup; I picked the black bean soup). The Soup came in a rather large bowl containing maybe ~8-10 ounces. I had 3 spoonfuls and stopped. My "crabmeat-stuffed tilapia" with veggies and rice dinner came. The 'stuff' part was perfect: soft, tasty, could've had more. The fish--broiled--went down well and I ate a few pieces of the squash and the zucchini, plus I allowed a few grains of rice, but NOT even a fork full of rice. BUT, bottom line...I brought ~85 % of everything home. (And I DID tell the waitress, but really didn't have to.)

Advice: Just order an appetizer, or be prepared to bring everything else home for munching later. Plus, instead of an $50-80 tab, it was $16.00--an "NSV." Any others with advice on this? Thanks.

Oops. excuse duplicate post. I'm at a hotel and it took longer for the post to publish, so I thought it didn't go through. Sorry.

I have done it both ways...ordered a small appetizer and brought it home for later or had a dinner and brought the rest of it home for other meals during the week..

My hubby has told me to order what I want ( less questions from people ) and he eats the rest the next day for lunch...when I did the appetizer the manager came over and was scared I did not like the food and offered a reorder for free...It is just easier for me to order a nice dinner eat a little and ask for a box to take the rest home...

Congrats on your first experience...You did awesome!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited January 20, 201412 yr by RJ'S/beginning

I went out for the first time too and ordered sautéed chicken and veggies at our local Chinese restaurant. I had like 3 bites of the chicken and could not eat anymore the people were looking at me like something was wrong with their food...I guess it helped their feelings when I asked for a to go box:-(

I had to eat out at a restaurant last Friday (meeting with some clients). I felt bad for the waitress as she came back to the table about 10 minutes after serving the food and kept asking me if there was something wrong with my meal . I just told her I recently had surgery and couldn't eat very much, and I ended up taking 80% of it home with me.

I used to go out to the restaurants all the time, and like a lot of us, ordered a drink, appetizer, entree and desert. After surgery, I've only gone to a restaurant like twice, and both times just got some water, and an entree where I had to take about 90% home. I felt kind of weird that everyone I was with had empty plates and here I am with most of my food on my plate!

We have been eating out a little more in the past couple of weeks, so I've been experimenting...

I have told the waitress I will share what my husband is eating and asked for another plate - surprisingly, so issues and haven't been charged a plate charge yet. (I suspect at fancier places, I will be charged.)

I've tried appetizers - that was good. Cheaper and I still end up bringing a lot of it home.

I've tried ordering an entire entree and I just get discouraged - not only do I eat just a few bites, when I get the bill I'm irritated. $15 for a few bites gets to me...I rarely order a full entree.

Funny story - we went to a BBQ place the other day and I literally ate what fell out of my husband's sandwich and was completely satisfied!

I order first time off the children menu and brought it home, in the hospital they gave me a card to show I have weight lost surgery , I can order small , I show it and they comply no hassle, I order and still brought it home, hope this helps

We have been eating out a little more in the past couple of weeks, so I've been experimenting...

I have told the waitress I will share what my husband is eating and asked for another plate - surprisingly, so issues and haven't been charged a plate charge yet. (I suspect at fancier places, I will be charged.)

I've tried appetizers - that was good. Cheaper and I still end up bringing a lot of it home.

I've tried ordering an entire entree and I just get discouraged - not only do I eat just a few bites, when I get the bill I'm irritated. $15 for a few bites gets to me...I rarely order a full entree.

Funny story - we went to a BBQ place the other day and I literally ate what fell out of my husband's sandwich and was completely satisfied!

You were like a little bird at the BBQ place...lol

peck peck peck

The other night my husband laughed at me...I ate 2 ounces of chicken and 4 tater tots and said I was full. He laughs at that while he's taking his 2nd helping or eating what's left on my plate. He and the dog are both gaining while I'm losing.

peck peck peck

The other night my husband laughed at me...I ate 2 ounces of chicken and 4 tater tots and said I was full. He laughs at that while he's taking his 2nd helping or eating what's left on my plate. He and the dog are both gaining while I'm losing.

Yes I have the same problem..longing eyes staring at my left overs..I have a rule now..No touchy my food until I am done and then scarf away!!!!!!!!!!!man

Get a card from the dr or hospital that will help get a smaller portion from restaurants ..Kids size, etc. I don't like left overs so bringing food home is a waste of my money.. Oh. ..unless my husband wants to eat it.

Thank you for the replies. Good tips.

My 2nd restaurant experience today: I only ordered a crab cake appetizer (one crab cake) with remoulade sauce, spritzed with lemon. I was full. Slow sips of Water.

And...I just walked the shore for 2 miles. Whoo-hoo!! Trying to get off this plateau. I need an ocean at home. (Currently in Hilton Head, SC); home tomorrow. Oh well. :-)