Cross Post: WLS-friendly restaurants?

I'm cross-posting to several forums to get the most feedback. Sorry if you see it more than once. I ran across a web site http://www.healthydiningfinder.com/ that analyzes the nutrition content of the menu choices of restaurants and makes recommendations for the healthiest choices. They have a search feature which lets you select by price, address/zip code and "Other Criteria" whi*****lude "Take-Out", "Delivery" and "Catering". So I wrote them and asked whether they would consider an additional "Other Criteria" of "WLS Friendly". As it turns out, they will! One of their directors exchanged emails with me and asked for feedback. If you respond to this post, I will collect the feedback and send it to her. I am pasting in our email exchange and want to know two things: 1) did I represent us adequately? I purposely did not offer a suggestion of ordering off of the kids menu because we deserve well-prepared, attractive and nutrituos meals too! I'm not eating hot dogs when there's salmon on the menu. Are there other accomodations that you consider WLS-friendly? 2) As per Erica's request, what are your experiences with restaurants regarding this issue? And don't forget to visit their web site. Thanks -- T.Rob ------------------------------------------ Erica, Thanks so much for your reply. There are a number of different weight loss surgeries (abbreviated as WLS) and they have different requirements as to food content. Some (such as lap band) allow any food while others (such as RNY) require a restriction in fats and refined carbs. The one thing they all have in common is meal size. After surgery, the patient's stomach can hold between 4 and 8 oz of food total. That's a measured cup. Restaurants that are WLS-friendly recognize that the customer does not want to pay full price for a meal that they will eat as little as 4 oz of. The arrangements most commonly made are small portions for a reduced price or split plates (two diners share a meal and an extra empty plate and silverware is provided). So, for example, if a restaurant allowed someone to order 1/2 of any item for a reduced price (although not necessarily as low as 1/2 price), the diner and the restaurant both come out ahead. Or if a restaurant allowed two diners to share a salad plate, they generally charge an extra dollar or two for the empty plate and place setting. So on the web site I imagine a selection box "WLS Friendly" and the explanatory text would read "WLS friendly restaurants allow diners to order smaller portions for a reduced price and/or share meals." Does that help? Thanks! -- T.Rob ------------------------------------------ Yes, this helps a lot. Thanks. I will forward to our team and see if this is something we can address. Can you tell me what your experience has been (and that of others, if you know) in terms of restaurants' responsiveness to this type of request? It would be helpful to hear the reality from "the trenches." Thanks, Erica ------------------------------------------

Hi T Rob- I am so impressed that you are doing this kind of leg work before surgery. I do not hesitate to tell my wait staff that I have had WLS and need smaller, protein rich portions. I often choose seafood appetizers or ask for 1/2 portions. Since we both travel- some times it is not convenient to take the other 1/2 in a to go box. No restraunt, that I have eaten at has had an issue with 1/2 portions or bringing the appetizer for me with others meals. I , personally think restaraunts can market for both WLS folks and senoirs with smaller, nutrionally sound portions. A savings at 20-40% off full size portions would be fantastic! We, as WLS folks, need to feel comfortable asking to have our needs met. I thank you for being so pro-active! Take care- surgery;s coming soon for you!!! Sheila

Ihop will allow anyone to order from the kid's menu. I usually just get what I want, eat it and then take the rest home. I love resturant eating, but that's why I have food issues. Ofcourse, your only going to eat a smidgen, my family likes the buffets and I go now, but once in a while. After I had surgery I first went out to eat in April and my family was so uncomfortable because of my new eating status, it makes others more uncomfortable then it makes me. Anyways, good luck with your journey. One other thing I notice, I am a very picky eater, I've had waitresses ask if something was wrong with my food because of the way I eat. It's nothing personaly ofcourse, but I don't want to adverstise, I cannot eat because of WLS.