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 have one that mentions small portions. I've used it a few times.

It’s up to the restaurant. Many will allow adults to order from the children’s menu, especially if you explain that you have a legitimate reason. Some may be more willing to allow you if you have an official-looking doctor’s note or card, but they’re not obligated to. Whether or not you are permitted to order children’s sized portions, remember you always get to decide how much to eat, even if you don’t get to choose how much you’re served!

I have a card my surgeon gave me and since I'm a picky eater I do give it to the people when I go to buffet and since I was going to those restaurants since before I had surgery they know me pretty well and they charge me the child price instead of the adult. So to me in those instances it is worth it. At the average restaurant though it is not worth it to me since the kids menu is not all that great and is geared towards kids and their palates. I would try here and there to see if they are willing once and awhile to offer a discount since you can't eat an average adult portion but since I do get to take the food home and get a second meal out of it I tend not to even care!

My doctor gave me two cards saying "The bearer of this card has had gastric limiting surgery and can only eat small portions of food. Please allow him/her to purchase a child's plate".

My Doctor gave me one. A lot of restaurants honor it.

It's not just for ordering from kids menu. Some give you less food with the smaller price.