Dining out / restaurant strategies

My family and relatives LOVE to dine out at restaurants and just about every family activity revolves around food.  I was wondering, once I'm at the solid food stage (Surgery date of 4/8) where I can join the family, is there a"card" or something that shows I've had RNY and can order a child's portion?  What are your experiences/strategies with dining out?  I don't want to bring a lot of attention to myself, but I'd like a game plan.  Thanks.

Unless you dine at pretty top end restaurants, the children's menu will be full of stuff you really don't want to be eating.   What I do is order what I want and ask for a box to take the leftovers.

Personally, I think the card is a cheek and if you do a search you will find many a lively discussion.   It's a sure fire way to pronounce yourself all sorts of special and will definitely make sure you make yourself known!!!!

I can pretty much dine in ANY restaurant (other than fast food) and find something good for me to eat - yesterday I had kale salad with salmon and it was all sorts of delicious - it was NOT on the children's menu!

I have to agree with Kim.  My surgeon's office gave me a card to use, but I never did.  Oftentimes I'll order an appetizer which is plenty enough to satisfy me, or I'll order something like a steak, eat half and take the rest home to eat the following day.

Restaurants aren't required to accept a "Get A Child's Portion" card.  The only place that I don't feel that I get what I pay for now are buffets, but I don't tend to eat at them any longer.  The food is usually dreck.  I'd rather eat quality than quantity now. 

I agree with the previous posters.  I'm such a nerd, I carry around folded up aluminum foil in a little bag now in my purse to wrap up leftovers. Too many restaurants use styrofoam, so I just prefer the foil, which I can recycle.

We went to a restaurant yesterday--not planned as we were out and about. I ate before we went out on errands and was very full, so enjoyed their delicious iced tea (my first non-decaf for months!) while hubby happily scarfed a cheeseburger. Just because you go to the restaurant you don't necessarily have to eat. We did leave a good tip as if I had eaten.

ETA: I did look at the menu and enjoyed the challenge of finding something I would order if I was hungry :)

It's pretty easy to eat in restaurants, just follow the protein-first rule. Try to stay away from sauces and fatty sides. The hardest part for me is having to watch people eat for a long time after I'm finished.

Whenever possible I check out the menu beforehand. Many restaurants will post nutritional content as well which makes choices easier. I have ordered from children's menu when there was a good choice. Didn't need a special card. I also ask for water because I found servers think it's strange if you don't get a beverage. I will also customize my order asking for extra vegetables in place of rice or potatoes. I ask for a box when I order and place extra food in it as soon as I get my order. Much less tempting if it's already boxed so I don't pick at it after getting satisfied. Then I sit back and enjoy the company.

Thank you everyone for the great ideas. I wasn't too sure of the card and feel relieved that I can still make healthy choices while dining out. I LOVE this site - everyone is so supportive and there is a wealth of information here. See you on the losers bench!

I carry little 4 ounce plastic cups (like the Dixie kind) with me so I can measure if I have to. Half my family things I'm crazy, the other half know the truth. :-) 

I did this too, but even 1 oz  & 2 oz cups, since it help to slow me eating and not getting caught up in the excitement of the event and over doing things.