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!)

Hey everyone... I've never used my card, but I have no problem ordering an appetizer. Or just asking them. But that's me.

At Cracker Barrel, where we tend to stop when we're traveling, their kids meal states that it "is for kids of ALL ages" which is awesome... They have a veggie plate that I can get a (huge) salad and mac and cheese, or something else and a drink for $3.50.

Also, they offer all of their fried kids options grilled too (i.e. chicken tenders can come grilled if you ask for it). Pretty cool IMHO.

Good luck!

I have never heard of this card. My doc never said a word! What's up with that ... LOL. I go in for my first fill next week, I'm going to ask for my "card". Don't know if I'll actually use it, but I want it just in case. I have been taking home leftovers lately anyway.

A card, who knew? :redface:

Romano's Macaroni Grill is fantastic, you can order one meal to split with no extra plate fees. They even split the dinner in the kitchen and then glad to bring a take home box:cool:

Houlihan's is a smallish chain that serves tiny desserts and tiny martinis. I guess that would come in handy if you were having a really bad day. :redface:

You can print out a card here: Restaurant Card Bariatric Surgery -- several choices and hints to make it look more professional.

Thanks for the link!

We went to Houlihan's and they had no problem taking the card. Also a Chinese Buffett charged me 5.00 to go through the line when I was there on a office luncheon.

Overall, I totally agree with the children's menu being unhealthy...what does that say about our children's health and the restarant's participation in the "fattening" of america.

I tend to check out the appetizers, and children's menu's first then make a decision on what to eat...ordering takes me a lot longer now than it use to. Leftovers are like 2nds and 3rds now...but those come the next day and the next :tongue2:

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.

The senior menu offers healthy choices at smaller portions and prices also. I have found some of the higher quality restaurants do have healthy choices on the children's menu. I don't eat out that often, but I'm a real cheap date now!!

I am lovin' ordering an appetizer. It is usually plenty and if I think it won't be I can always order a house salad. The only thing, it is usually cost as much as a regular meal.

Mink,

I don't know that everyone gets one. My surgeon's office just puts a statement on the back of their business cards that says "Our patient has had an abdominal surgery and must eat very small meals. Please allow this person to order from the child's menu. Thank you."

So, I keep that in my purse...not sure if I would use it though. Child's menu items stink. I don't even let my child eat that crap. :-) I might use it to get a smaller portion or lower price at a buffet though. Hasn't come up yet.

where can i get a card?

Quite a few of you mentioned eating salads. I am just wondering how long it was after surgery you were able to tolerate lettuce. I am still on liquids so it seems like forever for me.

The card is in with all the information about the surgery. My doctor gave me that one because it is part of the packet that the device manufacturer produces, and he also gave me one of his business cards that on the reverse, explained that it would be helpful to accommodate my special dietary needs.

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!

It is a federal law that when you receive a medically implanted device you are provided with a card that includes what was implanted and somewhere on it should have the lot number of the device. It is a safety precaution. You should carry this card in your wallet so that any medical practitioner taking care of you will be able to know that you have an implanted device in the event you cannot speak for yourself. :eek:

Cool, I am breaking the law breaking the law!