I had a co-worker ask me today if I received a permission slip from my doctor to allow restaurants to sell me the child's size meal ... I told her no ... I didn't know they did that ... she had bypass 2 years ago and she has one of those cards ...

is this common practice ? did I miss the boat?

I've heard of that, but honestly always thought it was just an urban legend. I don't have one and have never needed one. A restaurant can choose to sell you a child's plate or not regardless of any note or card that you claim is from a doctor.

Fascinating

I think it's just a gimmick. I don't have one and I've yet to be denied a child's meal when I go out to eat. I just explain to the waiter or waitress that I had surgery and can't eat a normal sized meal and they always say that it's fine. However, and most importantly, most children's meals suck. There's only so much macaroni and cheese one can take. I've recently just been ordering sides. Mashed potatoes and white gravy is divine. Refried beans are also really good. I try to stick with meat and avoid the carbs though.

I called my surgeon's office and they mailed me one. I haven't used it yet because I keep forgetting to bring it! (don't need purse when hubby pays!)

I don't think it's just for being able to order off the kids' menu. I think it is also a petition (totally at manager's discretion) for a discount in the case of a buffet or other unlimited situation (very bad idea in general, but sometimes you'll be in that spot). They agree to charge you less because you will not be eating anything close to what would make it worthwhile.

As I write this, I ask myself..."what the f*** was I thinking spending even one meal of my life at the Olive Garden never ending Pasta bowl?" Oh yeah, my friends dragged me, but I'll never accede to this form of peer pressure again.

I got a card. Children's meals are awful!! There are hardly any healthy choices. I usually just order a soup and a scoop of egg salad. I am only three weeks post op.

Wow everyone! Seems like we're evenly divided on this topic ...

I honestly never thought about the places NOT offering anything worthwhile on the child's menu ... but that is very true ! Kids don't eat grilled chicken and vegetables ... they eat hot dogs and grilled cheese and macaroni ! Wow ... guess it doesn't pay to even go through the hassle !

We've only been out to eat a couple of times ... and I got a small bowl of chili one time ... couldn't eat it because it was so stinking spicy ...

got scrambled eggs another time ... they were nasty ... NOT like hubby makes !

so ... I guess I'll stick to that ... or pick off hubby's plate

I have one but it says Children's or Seniors menu items. I have only used it once while I was on vacation because most of the time I just bring left overs home.

~LA

You can download it off obesity help . Com

The best place is outback a 6 oz steak and baked tater for 7.99 and I only eat half the steak

I have one. The kids menu is typically filled with food I would not chose so I'll most likely never use it. I haven't eaten out at all since my surgery 8/17. I'm still on pureeds lol

Since my hubby and I both had sleeve surgery, we tend to order one meal and split it. Then, depending on the size of the meal, we take home leftovers and split those as well! We're a year post-op.

I got one as well, but cant eat close to a child's meal, so always order soup or mashed potatoes.

They issued us those cards at our pre-op meeting. I seriously doubt I will ever use it.

If you make a polite request for a smaller portion, most places will honor it. Restaurants don't have to honor those cards, and as others have pointed out, usually the children's menus are full of crap. I just order an appetizer, or a regular size meal and take the leftovers home. But when I do order just an appetizer, I tip as though I ordered a full sized meal. It isn't the server's fault that I had bariatric surgery, and they need those tips to live.