what to eat out

Hi, I'm 7 wks out and will return to work soon. With my work schedule,my son's school and sports, and now my husband working nights for awhile,I know there will be times I won't cook. It will be fast-foods!!! I have no idea where or what to try. Anybody have any ideas????? Also I turn 40 in a couple of wks and my friends want to take my out,causal diner. Any ideas there? I would like a birthday drink,what do you think? This is the first time I have posted so hope I did okay!!!! Thanks for any input!!!! Laura

Hi Laura, My nutrionist says it's ok to have McD's cheeseburger without the top bun, or the 4 piece nuggets, Taco Bell - soft taco supreme - beef, pinto's and cheese, regular crunchy taco , spicy chicken soft taco, Wedy's - small chili, chicken nuggets, grilled chicken - no top bun. You can eat out at any casual place, just get grilled chicken or grilled shrimp, any grilled seafood really, you can eat steak now...... I don't know about the drink, my doc said no drinking at all and I have seen people post that say they were really drunk from one drink. If it's just one, I can't see how that can hurt that much, as long as it's not every day. Thats my thought on the drinking. Hope this helps! Have a great 40th BDay!!! Rachael

My vote is against the Drink. Many, besides falling on their noses get Dumping Syndrome the 1st few times. There ain't any worse picture of a fat drunk person on their nose. I would save it for the 1 yr. anniversary and maybe just try some white wine. I had my LAP RNY on 9/22/06 and find that eating out with the family is a fun experience. I will order a Shrimp ****tail, Onion Soup, Chicken Noodle, Clam Chowder, Ceasar Salad with shrimp or chicken (good for about 6 lunches) I especially like fried chicken thigh with the skin removed. One just hits the spot. After going thru this surgery, if my spouse suggested McD's or Taco Bell for my 40th Birthday, I would take a strap to his butt. Good Luck and Happy Birthday and MANY happy returns, Dick

My new favorite is Qudoba. I don't know if you have one there. I get Mexican Gumbo. I know that Colorado is a test market for Qdoba so not sure if this is available everywhere. It's a naked burrito with tortilla soup. I leave out the rice and tortilla strips. I get extra black beans,chicken,extra green salsa,cheese,a small amount of sourcream and a big ladel full of tortilla soup. It lasts for 3-4 meals. YUMMY!!!!!!!!

When we go out its usually applebees or perkins. I get the shrimp and steak kabobs or sometimes just an extra plate at Applebees. If we go to perkins I usually get an omelet and split it with my kiddos.

We have a Qudoba, I have never been there. Mmmm, you are making me want to try it!

I haven't had a drink yet (7 wks out as well), and I am kind of afraid to do so. We have been out to eat a bunch. On The Border - dh ordered chicken fahitias with black beans. I had 2 small strips of chicken and some of his beans. Another time, we ordered guacamole live (they make it at the table) and I ate mostly guacamole and then some black beans. Olive Garden - I ordered the whole wheat spaghetti with meatballs and meat sauce. My kids (3 and 4.5) and I split it and took home leftovers. Panera - I have had black bean soup. Another time, I ordered a turkey sandwich on whole wheat, and just ate part of it (not much bread) and took home the rest. I have also had Wendy's chili, Southwest Chicken Salad from Chick Fil A and a McDonald's cheeseburger w/o the bun. HTH!