Woman from the Seekonk, MA area...& dining out.

Last week I noticed there is a new gym (woman only) located in the Outback plaza. It's directly across the street from Fantasyland. I don't know how new it is but it's fairly new, there use to be a floor store there.  The family and I went to the Outback for dinner as I was craving their ribs. I had no plans on ordering a meal so hubby ordered a full rack of ribs, my kids ordered from the childrens menu. One ordered a burger which was huge, even she said she wasn't expecting the burger to be so big. The other ordered the ribs too. Her portion was huge as well. I ordered a fully loaded baked potato and picked at my hubby and daughters ribs.   I really dread dining out.... I feel out of place, I know I can't even finish 1/4 of the portions they give. It bothers me that restaurants won't let you share meals. I checked the Outback menu and saw no mention of it but still felt guilty.  This is only the 2-3 time dining out since being banded. My husband suggested ordering out in the future. I can then order from the child's menu.  At Tweet's I was asked if something was wrong with my meal because I had stopped eating and my plate was still full. I said everything was fine and I'd just like to take the rest home.   Anyone else want to comment or add any advise about dining out?

OOOHHHH How I can't wait to not be able to finish my plate...and my kids plate too.   I would not feel out of place because this is the new you. I can't speak from expierence YET but  I'm sure I will be in your shoes. Great job so far and keep up the hard fight!!

Thanks Jamie! I remember thinking pre-op how I couldn't wait till I was only able to eat smaller portions. I don't think anyone really realized just how small our portions are. I'm NEVER hungry, yet I miss the enjoyment of eating a full meal. I'm hoping my head will eventually realize my smaller portion is my meal now.  When dinner was all said and done...hubby left one rib behind and my daughter left 2. I wanted so bad to eat those 3 ribs but couldn't or I would of stuffed myself.  This morning I was heading out to go shopping with my mother...I nearly walked out the door at 8:15am and realized I didn't eat breakfast. I knew there was no way I could go out and not eat as I'd be starving later. Imagine...I forgot to eat...HA! Who would of thought!!!! Soon it'll be your turn!

Love the Outback!  Order ribs from the Childrens' Menu (and I've done this with no kids present).  You will probably have enough left over for a latter snack.  Also check appetizers.  I've had the shrimp kabobs with some left over. Sometimes if restaurants don't have good kids' menus or appetizers, I order a full meal & turn it into two.  Rarely have I been asked why I didn't finish.  I just say that I had recent surgery & can't.  That ends the conversation. Lunch menus I also go for the soup/sandwich (sometimes if's just a half), or the soup/salad.  Those work perfectly. I don't consider that the food/money I spend wasteful.  How many times would I have paid to lose pounds?  How many times did I eat just to clean off my plate? At the beginning stages I sometimes wouldn't even order- just a drink.  I'd use a small saucer to share others' foods. Or I'd just order a cup of soup. And give it away.   It gets easier.  Just try & aim for the protein.  Some restaurants are easier to order from than others.   My doggie also loves leftovers! Good luck!

Thanks Islander! The Outback menu stated kids meals are for 10 and under. One of my daughters is 11 1/2 and 5 feet tall and they said nothing about her ordering from the kids menu. Next time I will try asking ahead of time. I don't ever worry about the food going to waste but I do worry about the price of meals. With gas prices and food prices rising so high, it's a concern trying to raise an active family. We seldom go out to eat anymore because our grocery bill has increased while our items have stayed the same.  Kids meals aren't always the most appealing and appitizers are great if I'm not craving something specific.  Thanks again for the tips and advice!

I have been out to eat, but am not at the point yet where I have a full feeling.  Yesterday I had a b-day party for my mom at a rest. with family style all you can eat chicken.  I was dreading this, esp with the way it is served in courses.  First soup, then salad, then pasta, THEN the chicken.  I knew I had to get my protien in and it was coming in the wrong order.  I had 2-3 bites of soup, then gave hubby the rest- so I didn't fill up on it.  When the salad arrived, I had 2 bites, gave hubby about 2/3rds of the rest, and put the remainder to the side.  When thy tried to clear the plate- I told them I was still working on it.  I ignored the pasta.  When the chicken came, I ate my chicken first, then ate what I could of my leftover salad.  I think I did pretty darn well considering how it was staggered. Another great tip someone gave me for eating out-  ask for a leftover box right when they deliver your meal.  Take 1/2 of your food and put it right in the box before you start eating.  This way it isn't there to tempt you into overeating. (and you won't get asked if something was wrong with the food). I also like the appetizer menu- usually most of the stuff is protein- with no sides. 

Great job!  I would of been stressing the whole time...especially seeing noone really knows I had surgery.

Only a handful of people there knew I had surgery also.  I stressed at first, but just thought about an "eating plan" and got through it- and without people knowing

To be honest with you....our portion controls are really not much less then what you would be able to eat on WW. I would know...I've joined enough times over the years. The only difference they have over bandsters is they are allowed to snack according to their points and how much they use for their meals. I had always tried to plan it out for 3 meals, 2-3 small snacks. Why did I fail...because I was always too damn hungry! Portion control has always been my biggest problem.

Hi, I go to Shirwood sport center across from the Outback Plaza.  I don't know if that gym is open. It always looks closed.  I have just started going out a few months ago because I as well can't eat like I used too THANK GOD!! I always ask for a doggie box or bag.  Waitstaff have asked me the same question and I tell them, I had a gastric by pass.  Most of them ask me how it is or they know someone who has had it too.  I bring home the rest of what I want and usually hubby eats it later on or I have it the next day.   Carol B