Don't be that person..

Ugh!  Don't know why surgeons are still doing this ... 

I have a medical card. I have zero intention of ever using it except to tuck it into my wallet next to my ID so, in th the event of an emergency, EMTs will know I'm a WLS patient.  

I imagine whipping that out at a restaurant would probably be fairly awkward for the people I'm with. I got this surgery so I could STOP feeling socially uncomfortable--I don't think calling attention to my surgery in public and requesting special treatment is the way to do that. 

At a regular restaurant, I can always pack up my leftovers and have a meal for days. I can always opt not to go to buffets or simply pack some of my own food instead of eating theirs. As long as everyone else is eating the restaurant's fare, I doubt anyone would give me trouble for snacking on my own thing. 

Most restaurants/buffets won't let you eat outside food, NOT because they insist you buys theirs but because of the liability/insurance issues!

Most of them will allow baby food (for a baby!), but it's another reason NOT to get pissed off if they say you can't eat your own food in their establishment!

Yeah, either way, it's really not worth it to make a big fuss over the restaurant's rule. 

Part of the WLS process is, for me anyway, pracicing how to plan properly for situations that may not be conducive for healthy eating. Not everywhere is going to be the perfect situation, but it's my job to roll with the punches and adapt. 

I always just end up eating my kids food.  I dont even order for myself anymore.  LOL

I agree with you.....  happy_baker that is my intention.  Right next to my ID alongside my insurance cards. 

The last thing i want to do is draw attention to myself.  My WLS is my business not for the entire restaurant to know. 

When i start to dine out again....  because i'm on day 3 of my pre-op liquid diet...  my plan was to share a meal with my daughter and order off the side menu....  many places offer the additional grilled shrimp with meals yada yada yada...  it's worth a try...  if not...  Hello leftovers...  for lunch and dinner the following day.

Not to mention dinning out is a contributor to my current weight problem.   So when we dine out, it won't be as often as we once did and it will be more of a treat than a task. 

The facility I used did present me with a card upon discharge. But as my doctor wisely mentioned....sometimes the money you save is not worth discussing your medical history with your waittress/waiter...& everyone else nearby.

I haven't used the card.

AMEN!!

There is no way in HELL I would subject myself to the scrutiny of strangers to save a few bucks.

Ditto.. I'm not laying out my medical history for a stranger for a few dollars.

I'll ask if I can order something off the kids menu, if the answer is no.. I move on and assume I'll be getting a to-go box. This conversation is not one I'm willing to have:

Me: Had gastric bypass and can't eat as much anymore.
Random Server: *some variation of* when, how, how much did you weigh, how much did you lose, what do you weigh now, how long have you kept it off etc..

I wasn't comfortable discussing my previous weight when it was obvious and on my body, I'm sure not going to freely put it out there in front of every stranger within ear shot.

My dignity is not for sale for $5 off.

Sometimes it is just not worth going out to dinner, as I now don't like most food from restrauants and in some places that I do like, I don't want to spend that much  money when I can only eat so little and I'm not big on leftovers.