eating out

  I went to the family restraunt the other nite and it seems imposible to find something that would taste good or digest good

Well I am almost 10 months post op so I am able to eat just about anything (always have been, nothing has ever bothered me or made me sick unfortuntelly) but I do really well with soups when I go out to eat.   Most places have grilled chicken of some kind on their menu.  If it is in the form of a sandwich, just take it off the bun or ask for it without the bun.   Grilled steak is also a good choice.  More and more resturants now serve a vegetable medley with summer squash and carrots and such wihich they don't overcook like they used to.   Don't be afraid to ask for substitutions.  Be honest with them and tell them you can't have french fries and that you would rather have a side of cottage cheese or a baked potatoe (hold the butter and sour cream or put it on the side).  If you are up front and honest as to why you need to make the changes most (I have never had a resturant refuse me) will be more then happy to accomodate you.    My daughter and I (she also had surgery) will go to a resturant and share a meal and just ask for a second plate.  Have never been charged for it.   Good luck to you. Sally

Donald1953

Hello, I think it may be a tad early to restaurant venture, many say about 2 months is a time they try, but as stated soup may work (skim the noodles etc out and do broth or the french onion broth is good! Have them skip the croutons/bread in it) if you can do cheese great if not leave it off!

My first trial was shrimp ****tail I beleive 2 mo out, everyone else ate away as I talked, chewed and was patient...I just told waitress I was eating light. I had 2-3 shrip and left the rest. I really started to appreciate the COMPANY not the eating experience so that reframe was great for my longterm success I think.

Other ideas are when u r a tad further out small side salad with grilled chicken or shrimp or salmon on it. Look at the appetizer menu if there is anything there that would work. It is not forever, sometimes lunch portion at dinner or splitting or senior/childs menus MAY have a selection (not always). I agree restaurants are catering to individual dietary needs so if there is something that looks ok but needs a minor substitution ask! They can say yes or no....

What are you eating now? Can you do fish? Mnay have a fish of the day, get it steamed/poached vs fried, boiled in water vs butter.
It truly gets easier over time most feel.

That was awfully brave of you to go out to eat so soon after surgery... it took me almost 3 months before I got up the nerve to go out & I am glad I waited that long!! I haven't had any issues but you do have to make smart, careful choices!! I stick with grilled chicken, seafood or beef & veggies - so far so good!! By all means don't be afraid to ask the servers questions about how things are cooked... you'd be surprised how helpful they are willing to be!!! Most places are willing to work with you if it means keeping a customer. Good luck! Cece