Eating Out?

I agree... I avoid buffets because I know it's going to be a waste of money for me. When I can't avoid it (like on my honeymoon...breakfasts) I try to make the best choices I can and try not to feel guilty about dumping so much money down the drain. I make my accomodations before I step foot in the restraunt. My friends and family know the "no buffet rule" or choose places that offer a combo of buffet and menu choices. Before I eat out, I take a look at the menu (if it is available online) and plan ahead what I will eat. When I order, the only "accomodation" I make is to ask that they bring a to-go box with the order. There has never been a problem. Again, the only time I have had ANY issue is on my honeymoon. This was a nice resort, they weren't used to people that picked instead of indulged. We had no fridge in the room, so I always left the uneaten portion (always quite a bit) on my plate, and even though the meals where paid for (including appetizers and dessert) - I never asked to see the dessert cart. Several watiers asked if I was okay, if the food was okay and if I was sure there was no problem with my meal. So, in other words, the world doesn't "owe" us anything because we had this surgery. We know what we can and cant eat, and there is ALWAYS something "safe" on the menu. I don't eat out often - but I look at it as an opportunity to order once and eat 3 or 4 times.....we certainly do get out moneys worth now...especially if we think that before, that same meal would have been consumed in one sitting and we would have been hungry and looking for more not long after! (at least that is the way I was)

OK I admit that I am looking forward to going to 1 buffet but its a tad different. Its the Mongolian Grill here. You pick a size and then pick what you want and they cook it for you type buffet. I CANT WAIT TO GO! But I agree on most any other buffet. WOW would it just not be worth the cash lol. Felicia =0)

Of course I'm not entitled to "special" treatment, but I am fully of the opinion that most American restaurants offer portions that are way too big. At the very least, half portions should always be a choice in these restaurants. The only thing I typically ask for in restaurants is that, if rice or pasta normally accompany a dish, they give me veggies instead. Anyone I've asked has been accomodating and I don't feel that I am asking anything out of line. Lisa

Yup I agree. Asking to replace rice or pasta is completely different then asking for "special" treatment such as complete change of portion size or even not having to pay less. I think most places expect you to change the "sides" anyways. As for the portion sizes out there I SOOOOOOOOOO agree!!! Was just talking some one the other day about this and the last time I was at Olive Garden. We were served on PLATTERS not plates. When I think back to the size of the portions we got its just mind blowing. Felicia =0)

We don't eat out much but when we do I LOVE the fact that I get at least 3 meals out of a "portion" at most restaurants. Hubby and I have different tastes or just not in the mood for the same menu choice so we don't usually share but I love having lunches for the next few days. I know what you mean Felicia about "getting your moneys worth" with the huge portions. Thats one of the things that contributed to my weight problem in the first place. On any given menu French Fries are the cheapest item. When you're broke and hungry you try to get the most for your money. Now I feel that paying $X.XX for a meal that will in reality give me 4 or more meals is TRULY getting my moneys worth! Great ....now I'm hungry! Good thing its time for lunch!!! LOL As for being entitled to discounts or special treatment, it all depends. If a restaurant offers lunch sizes or other options I will take advantage of them, Kids menus are a joke, its all fried! I have my "I'm a gastric bypass patient" card but never had the desire to use it. Like I said, I am happy knowing that I am getting multiple meals for my money!

I don't ask for or expect special accomodations. This far out, I eat a normal portion. Which means about half or less than what is served, since portions sizes are so big. My DH & I split meals, I take food home, or I LEAVE IT ON MY PLATE!!! Imagine that! As far as buffets - I pay full price - I figure I owe it to the restarants after all those years of eating MORE than my fair share. Have you seen the commercials for TGI Friday's lately? They are advertising "smaller portions and smaller prices." Sounds like someone is getting the message. Take care. Annette

OK way behind here but I agree with everyone. I do not want a special menu just for me. Please. These days when we go out to eat we just order what we want to eat and figure I do not have to cook for the next few nights!!!! YAY!!!! I agree with what you said. I just want to be normal. No reason to make myself stand out! Melissa

I don't consider asking for reduced serving size as "special treatment". It's more like tending to the needs of the customer. My wife and I did this surgery together so most of the time we just decide on what to eat together and split it. I guess in a way that's asking for a reduced price but then again not really. When we do that, I typically double the price of the entree when calculating the tip since there were 2 people being served. I don't consider it as setting us out in the crowd. It's not like I stood up and announced it. It's just between the waiter/waitress us. I've never even showed my card to anyone as I've found most places to be accommodating. When we order individually I don't ask for a special price just a reduced portion size and I make that clear to the waiter/waitress. It doesn't make sense to through away food. I do ask for a take home box a lot, but that still doesn't mean it will get eaten since the standard size of the meal is enough for 4 dinners to start with.

I don't look for a "cheap" way out. If we are going out to eat as a family, I order as I normally would have, but smaller portions. I choose a piece of chicken over a burger. I choose a food that I know that I can eat. Even if it is an appetizer. I also order a water, just so they won't keep bugging me to death over not having a drink. I just keep it in the middle of the table. We chose this path, and we choose how we eat. I don't feel that restaurants should have to accomodate me. I choose what I can and can't eat. If there is nothing good to eat there, I won't go Molly