I sure did because it allows you to order smaller sized portions at restaurants. There is a clause on it that states this person cannot eat large quanitites of food and please allow them to order smaller portions. It works great at restaurants!

I can now order off the kid's menu at restaurants. At Chilis they have a great grilled chicken on the kid's menu and it's 1/2 the price of regular portion and it's still a really big piece!

But it's a really good card to have anyways becuase if you are ever in an emergency situation it tells the emergency folks that you have this device. It has your name, the size of the band, surgery date, dr's name & #

Just thought I would share in case everyone didnt know about the patient ID card from Lap Band

It's not the restaurants fault that I had surgery. Why should they take a cut in income because of my lifestyle change?

But on the other side, I was informed by a fellow bander that it is discrimination. QUOTE]

I have always thought that not being able to order from the kids menu, or being charged more for the food, is age discrimination. I believe if I only want a small amount, then I shouldn't be charged more for it.

I will not go to places that charge extra because I'm not 12. So, they are taking even more of a cut by losing my business.

On one of my 'last meals' pre-surgery I told my waitress (who knew me well) about my upcoming surgery. And she asked, "Are you gonna be one of the those people that has a Dr.'s note to order from the kid's menu?" and I replied, "Yeah I guess" and she then told me that the restaurant doesn't honor them.

And when you think about it, I understand. It's not the restaurants fault that I had surgery. Why should they take a cut in income because of my lifestyle change?

I can always take home the left overs.

But on the other side, I was informed by a fellow bander that it is discrimination.

So, be prepared to be declined. I got mine when I was discharged and haven't needed it yet.. Still on liquids. But I know I'll try it, but if they turn me down, I won't be upset about it. But I'll definitely remember the restaurants that did honor it!!!

Don't forget most chain restaurants you can order food to go and they dont know if you are taking the food home for yourself or a child (ie Chilis, Applebee's, Ruby Tuesday, etc). Also, if I were ever denied using the card, I would simply get up and leave and not give them my business at all. I will go someplace else that will allow me to use it. Most likely you are with someone when you eat out who will order normal portions so they are loosing their business as well. Most managers are understanding. If the waiter/waitress gives you a hard time, ask for the manger. HTH

This is an awesome tip! I'm travelling to the US in July and wasn't really looking forward to having to be all fussy and pedantic about portion sizes when eating out. (Mind you, I'm travelling with a 12 year old boy so I was planning to order an adult meal and swap him for his kid's meal, anyway!) Can we maybe start a master list of restaurants that accept the card?

Sarah R, I'm in Australia too and I still got one of the LapBand ID cards and a tracking number. My surgeon said I must carry it with me at all times in case of emergency- you should ask your doctor for one.

Really? That's interesting, I just assumed it was for americans because the only people I ever heard talk about it where american. I might have to ask my surgeon about it though but I dunno if I'll bother. Our portion sizes in australia are big but looking at the portion sizes in america they seem double the size of ours, but maybe that's just me. I guess if I ever travel though it would be something handy to have. Thanks for the info =)

I just received my official card in the mail today.I was given a temporary one the day of my surgery. My recovery nurse had a post card partially filled out with the surgery date and surgeon's name and all other info that needed to me filled out by the dr. I filled out the remaining personal information and mailed it. Again it is not only to use in restaurants, but to alert any medical personnel of the surgery. It is a must have. I am 8 days post op and still on liquids. Will not try it out any time soon.