Anyone eating out?

Here's my new thing - Going out for a meal - portions are HUGE! Not every place has ala carte & not everything I can eat travels well in a to go box if you're traveling at all - like eggs - Childrens menus generally have mac & cheese, grilled cheese, chicken nuggets or hot dogs - none of which I can do very well... Are any of you eating out? If so HOW are you doing? Yesterday my best friend & I split a plate which was really great of her - but I can't count on that all the time... I also kind of hate having to tell EVERY waitress why I didn't eat the whole thing.... Share with me your stories - I would love to hear how y'all are doing on this.

I usually get soup and then nibble off of my wifes plate. I told her I am a cheap date...lol!

Yes I eat out and I typically share a plate with someone. This is a lot easier than me having to explain why I didn't eat my food and it also helps stop the stares from waiters when I haven't finished a meal. I went to a restaurant that I liked Pre-OP and I knew I was going to have to take-home, I was counting on it. It was a small rest. and the owner was the server as well. He was so offended that I didn't eat my food the mushed my 'to go' food all together into one container and was extremely rude to me and my family. I haven't been back there! Here's some places I have gone and what I have done: 1) Applebee's- Mom ordered a steak w/veggies and cheesy potatos- she ordered the side of shrimp. I ate the shrimp and some veggies and potatos. 2) Red Robin- Shared the pork fajitas. I ate about 2 oz of pork (very tender!) and had some bell peppers. Also shared the fish tacos (minus the tortilla) 3) A la carte items include eating the meat, cheese and lettuce from tacos, side of beans, soup, and pork ribs. For me I am eating much worse than I did pre-op. My typical meals out pre-op were salads. I was not a meat eater- so I have no clue if I'm eating correctly- but I am getting in my protein. I have found if I state up front, 'Oh can I do a half meal?' or 'I won't be able to eat all of this!' in ear shot of the waitress I get treated decently and no stares as if something's wrong with the food. Hope this helps! Jennifer

I usually get what I like and take the uneaten portion home. One regular meal now is 3 meals. 1. Tony Romas-- I usually get Grilled chicken tejas, veggies, baked potatoe. 2. Chilis -- I get the Chicken Fajita Quasadillas and eat the inside of them (not the tortilla) it consist of chicken, cheese, onions and pica de guallo. 3. Texas Road House -- veggies, salad, Hamburger (chop) steak. 4. Carrabbas -- children's menu grilled chicken and garlic mashed potatoes.... mmmm those garlic potatoes are sooooo ggod!!! I always have enough to last 3 meals. But I just get whatever, enjoy it and take it home. I have had someone ask me if I didn't enjoy my dinner and I explained to them that I had WLS. Sometimes I order a salad and eat some meat from my husband's plate. Jen

My doctor gave me a card for restaurants that simply states so and so is my patient and had a gastric bypass, can you please make smaller portions or allow this patient to select from the senior citizens menu. Other than that I usually eat my husbands salad or soup and I try to eat with a friend mainly for the conversation and relaxtion. Since I am no longer pushing my way so to speak to the head of the line for the next all you can eat buffet, I enjoy the conversations more.

Hi there!! I also eat ala carte When I can. If they don't have ala carte and the leftovers don't travel well I just leave it and forget it!!! I haven't had any waitresses look at me funny. If I'm asked why I'm not eating I say I'm not hungry. No bigggie for me!! Godd Luck, Summer

I either get soup or if I do order a plate, which I sometimes do, I take it home. I haven't had anyone rude about me taking a whole lot home!! I can usually eat at least 2 more meals with my leftovers too!!! I have noticed children's menus are pretty much something I can't have. The fried foods and all the carbs....well, it just doesn't work!! We go on trips every couple monthes, for 3 days or so, and fortunately, all the hotels we stay in have fridges!! That way, I can eat the chicken (which is what I usually order) later or the next day or meal!! It is great!!! Alot of places have very good soups!! That is one thing that sure does taste good to me!!!

I eat soup and salads mostly. But I have had some ribs from chili's and either I bring it home or someone at my table finishes my food. Applebee's -I get the grilled shrimp salad on their weigh****cher menu. I've eaten at TGIFriday's. They have an atkin's menu and I share with my hubby. I had one low carb chicken quesidilla, some of the cheesy chicken dish. At Bolder Creek I usually just get a lobster tail added on to my hubby's meal and add a salad. Red Lobster- Add on crab legs to someone else's meal. ~Angel 222/174/120 BMI 34 Lap RNY 11/10/04

Pamela, I've eaten out quite often but, I never finish a meal. Soup is good, a small salad. What I've doing lately is sharing a platter. Sometime you get stares when you ask for an extra plate. You can always take it home and have it for three days. Joe

Pamela, Here's what I do: I order an appetizer, or share my daughter's or hubby's meal, sometimes ordering an appetizer for everyone to share. Like if I go to Outback, my daughter and I will share a salad, I eat the tomatoes and cukes, she eats the lettuce. Then I will order a steak, just eat my fill and take it home. Or just a have a few bites of hubbies. Sometimes I just order a cup of soup an tell the waitress I am not hungry, or I tell her about surgery. They usually just smile and understand. Pam