Lapband Friendly Restaurants

[FarmGirl7 0]

I have not used my card to eat off the child's menu yet, as I am fearful of getting rejected. I'd rather go somewhere that I can just order, or flash my card quietly if need to, rather than a waitress say loudly "WE DON'T ACCEPT LAPBAND REASONS FOR USING THE CHILD'S MENU!".

So... I was wondering who has been accepting of the card or having an adult order the kid's menu, and who has not been accepting of it? I want to know who to give my business to (even if I don't use the card!)

[NYC_gal 0]

I've yet to use the card because I don't feel the need to explain myself and let everyone know my business... I'm embarassed. :crying:

If I go out to eat I usually go to diners. They offer a ton of foods that we'd be able to eat. But then... I'm in ny and there's a diner on every corner here! You can really go anywhere that offers good quality food.

Another option, if you're afraid of ordering too much food, is just asking for a take home box as soon as you get your meal. You can split up the portion right away so you're not tempted by all of this food and you have a nice meal for the next day. I've also ordered an entree and shared it with someone. Though some places charge a $5 "sharing" fee to do that :rolleyes2:

[talkalot1981 5]

Wow I didn't even know we could do that with our card. I mean I am not banded yet(1 month to go) but that is good to know. I guess what I would do would be to decided where I wanted to go first and call in advance. That way if they do say no it is just over the phone and not face to face. If that resturant does accept them, then I would tell the waiter you called in advanced because maybe not every waiter knows about being able to use the card. That is pretty neat. I didn't even know that. I will have to remember that after I get banded! Jennifer

[ksp 0]

im so glad somebody decided to ask! i have been told that you can use the card for smaller portions/prices or to order off the childrens menu. but i have not used it yet because i dont want them to have to talk to the manager to see what to do then everybody would have to know! but i am very excited to hear what places accept it!!!

[Meagan 25]

well from what ive notced the child menus seem to be all fried or like mac and cheese and im trying to stay away from that.. soo i much rather get something a lil healtier then just take it home.. or sometimes i share my meals with like my sister or mom.

[FarmGirl7 0]

We don't live near town, and usually eat out when we are on vacation... so taking it "to-go" or in a doggy bag would be a waste (especially in this heat). What I've been doing lately is just ordering my sides as something that I can give the kids and just eat the meat myself. We live in the south where portions are HUGE, and sometimes the child's menu has exactly what I want, but I don't want to make it a big deal that I had surgery!

[Meagan 25]

i always wanted southern cooking. im in new york so the resturants give u lil portion ( some do give you big ones ) but the fancy ones want the presentation to be nice lol.. and the child menu is always chicken fingers and french fries. but i hear ya.. i honestly think if your on vacation you deserve a lil treat!

[MADE IT 2 MY GOAL..OH YEAH 0]

I have not used my card to eat off the child's menu yet, as I am fearful of getting rejected. I'd rather go somewhere that I can just order, or flash my card quietly if need to, rather than a waitress say loudly "WE DON'T ACCEPT LAPBAND REASONS FOR USING THE CHILD'S MENU!".

So... I was wondering who has been accepting of the card or having an adult order the kid's menu, and who has not been accepting of it? I want to know who to give my business to (even if I don't use the card!)

I use my card when I go to shoneys to eat. Not all shoneys accept it though, but the ones that i have been to, they let me order off the childs menu anyways. Most places will let you order off the childs menu with or without your card. Don't be afraid to flash your card, so what if people hear or see you with it...at least they know you are doing something about your weight.

[TeganRheana 1]

What is the card taht you get?? Do all lap-band patients over there get one? We don't get any cards here in Australia but then again, I have no problem just ordering an entree sized meal (as a main - they bring it out at the same time the main meals come out) or kiddy meals...it's bizarre to me that they wouldn't let you..

[catho72 0]

My doctor gave me a card that says something like, "This person's stomach can only hold 4 oz. Please allow them to order a reduced portion meal or off the children's menu." The first time I gave it to a waitress, she looked at it and said, "No, we don't take this" to which I said, "I'm not asking you, I'm telling you I'm ordering from the kids menu." I ordered a kids hamburger, took off the top of the bun and ate the rest of the burger. I've used it several times with no problems. I even used it at two character buffets in Disney World and they charged me the child's price. Yay! That saved me $15 each meal! :tongue2:

Don't be afraid to show it and don't be afraid of rejection. The one time I didn't show it, because I didn't want to make a big deal about having WLS, I regretted it.

[Kimber7 1]

Just take home the left overs. Your business is NOBODIES business!

[BillOh 15]

I have yet to encounter a restaurant that has been less than understanding and cooperative. If I traveled more than I do know and ate by myself I would use it more, but my wife and I have both had surgery and restaurants are very good about letting us split orders, or we just order knowing we will be taking the rest for lunch the next day. Its my opinion that in this tight economy that restaurants are feeling the pinch as much as any business and they are going out of their way to accommodate people whom might otherwise not come.

Edited June 30, 2009 by BillOh

[ParrotheadCathy 0]

I sometimes order an appetiser and a salad. I usually just order a meal and take half home for lunch the next day. I have used my card at Longhorn's and Bugaboo Creek. Nobody said a word negative, and one waitress asked me a bunch of questions about the surgery, LOL. You should not expect a waitperson to be loud and rude about the card. They are definitely not in the business of embarassing customers. And, if you ever had someone say something rude, that should be taken up with the maitre de or the restaurant manager.

[reneek 1]

I am also a little embarassed. I found also that the kids menu is fried foods and high in calories. So what i do is i order a healthy meal and split it with my 6 year old who eats like a bird also.

[Mrs. Mink 0]

What?!! What freakin' card are you talking about?! Sorry. lol. I am just shocked to read about a special "card" that apparently most lap banders out there have to assist them while dining out. I knew nothing of this special card, and really wish that I had one. Otherwise, my husband and I have joked about the fact that we'll hardly dine out anymore, since it just won't be worth the cost for me to eat such tiny portions. Having this special card would really help with that!