Eating out is such a pain!

It's so true!!! They just stand there in shock!

It was weird ordering from the waitress! I felt almost bad for asking questions, I tried to explain my situation, but was embarrassed (my own personal problem) and shy. I ended up just getting a full meal that had to be boxed up after a couple bites. I definitely need to work on not being shy when it comes to getting what I want.

I feel the same. I think it's part of being new to this.

You Don't have to explain anything... that's the beauty of talking to strangers.

Plus, SO MANY people have special diets... diabetics, low carb fans, Keto fans, those allergic to things... believe me, the wait staff has heard tons of special orders.

Just tell them what you want, and if you ask for it nicely, they almost always come up with creative ideas to even save you money if they're good!

You are still early post op.

Some places have appetizers. But at the begining - even that was too much.

Even now - when I go out to eat - I often order just sides - side of grilled chicken, fish or shrimp, and a side of some veggies. Or nothing. I had been social with other people and order just coffee (real of decaf) or hot tea. I jus leave "a real" tip for the waitress after that.

I find I'm a big guilt tipper now! I order so little, a 20% tip that ends up under a dollar seems rude. I end up tipping 50% or so to not feel bad...

I don't call it guilt - I tip at least $2 if I am in a restaurant and spent there at least one hour. Unless I am a part of a big group...

I enjoy eating out :)

I just plan on leftovers, which is fine, or I plan to share with someone. When my mom and I eat out together we always share which is perfect. I eat about 40% of the protein, she eats the rest, we both feel that we've eaten the right amount.

I definitely prefer places with menus posted online so I can scour on my own time :)

It does get a lot easier to navigate eating at restaurants. Don't be afraid to ask for just the protein that they usually give you an option of adding to salads. It is nice to have leftovers for a few more meals.

I find Red Lobster rather easy to eat at. They have add a side of shrimp, lobster and crab legs to a meal -- thus, I ask whomever I am eating with to "add a side" of which ever protein I want to their meal. That's what I eat for dinner -- and it's almost always less than 5 or 6 bucks. I have also ordered just a shrimp ****tail for dinner. It's perfect -- in fact, in my earlier stages, it was too much.

Sometimes, if I am really hungry, I will also order a side/dinner salad and eat part of it -- removing any croutons or bread. If I have them put the dressing on the side, I can take the other half home for later.