Inconsiderate Waiter

NJDizzybee
on 3/15/11 8:03 am - Riverside Township, NJ

So I'm 3 weeks out from getting the LapBand, and on the mushie stage. I had a funeral to attend today, and we went to a luncheon afterward - at a restaurant that's very good and popular. Most of my extended family doesn't know that I had the surgery. When the waiter gave us the choices, I couldn't manage any of them, so I asked him if I could get a bowl of soup. He said only salad came with the choices. Okay - I found the Manager and explained discreetly that I had surgery recently and could I please get a bowl of soup instead of the entree. She was great - and it was fine. So, when the entrees and my soup came, the waiter announced rather loudly that he was sorry I had surgery, and he hoped I enjoyed the soup. UGH! I just said thanks and that it wasn't for really something I wanted announced. I tried to laugh it off, but I could see all the questioning stares afterward. Awkward! Needless to say, more people know now.

I just needed to vent a little. I didn't really want Aunts and Uncles and Cousins to know just yet. This is one luncheon I wish I could have gotten out of.

Kate -True Brit
on 3/15/11 8:09 am - UK

Lap Band on 04/23/06

Ouch! He probably thought he was being nice but that is amazingly tactless!! And rather too personal for a waiter! I think I might have been tempted to tell the manager - not to get him into trouble but to make sure he understood that some things are just not for public announcements!

Kate

Highest 290, Banded - 248 Lowest 139 (too thin!). Comfort zone 155-165.

Happily banded since May 2006. Regain of 28lbs 2013-14. ALL GONE!

But some has returned! Up to 175, argh! Off we go again,

NJDizzybee
on 3/21/11 8:07 am - Riverside Township, NJ

Yes, Kate - thanks for remembering. She was very apologetic, including a nice little gift card for when I'm "completely healed" - her words. I'm sure it helped to keep my cool :-)

(deactivated member)
on 3/15/11 8:13 am

This waiter needs a major attitude adjustment, like being fired. I would make a phone call to the owner of the restaurant and make sure this happens. As far as telling your family, you don't need to. If anyone asks just tell them it was a female thing. That you really don't want to discuss it. Thank should shut them up. I hope you enjoyed your soup.

Stephanie M.
on 3/15/11 8:14 am

Sorry you had to go to a funeral and that the waiter was less than discreet in dealing with your reasonable request...You did the right thing in asking for the soup and you and your new band are going to be much better off for doing it.

Sometimes the word "procedure" works better with restaurant staff...you could say you have are on a liquid diet in preparation for a medical test the following day...you will get used to it. I tell the waitstaff that I have an unusual medical condition that only allows me to eat small amounts several times per day and they usually let me order a childs portion (but only if it is something healthy).

Good luck to you!

6-7-13 band removed. No revision. Facebook Failed Lapbands and Realize Bands group and WLS-Support for Regain and Revision Group

Lisaizme
on 3/15/11 8:14 am - TX

I agree with Kate. I'd speak to the manager.. or if you'd rather, write a note. Express your appreciation at your needs being accomodated, and then express your dismay at your private business having been made public.

Lisa
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Reinhold Niebuhr

NJDizzybee
on 3/15/11 10:28 am - Riverside Township, NJ

Thanks for all the help...I'm going to call the Manager tomorrow. I was pretty uncomfortable for the remainder of the time I spent there.

The soup was Escarole, and I've never had it before. It was pretty good!