Question:
Need help changing restaurant policies
Sorry this is loooong but.... It has recently come to my attention that Old County Buffet will not allow gastric by-pass patients to be charged less than full adult price. I sent them an email, which I have copied here. I also copied their response as well as my reply to that. PLEASE consider sending/telling this to anyone you know who has had a gastric by-pass and encourage them to send an email of their own. You will need to go to [email protected] and click on frequent questions. Down at the very bottom in tiny print is "Answers" click on this to get their question submission form. My next step will to be to try and contact the president of the company and I sent an email to the Today show (GO AL ROKER!!). Thanks for your help. ************************************************************ I am very disappointed in your St Cloud Old County Buffet. We have always gone there for special occasions as well as just a nice family dinner out. My kids love the selection and the food is very good. However we will not be back to your store. The problem is that I have had surgery to reduce the size of my stomach. I have several friends who have also had this done. Recently one of them went to the St Cloud Old County Buffet. We all have cards from our surgeons asking that we be charged for a child's portion. My friend had used her card at this location before. However this time she was told by the clerk and the manager that they no longer honor the card per an email from the corp. office. How sad!! The gastric by-pass surgery reduces the stomach to the size of your thumb. It can only hold a few bites of food. The maximum is usually less than a cup. There are many many foods that can't be eaten at all including anything with sugar. The last time I went out to eat I was able to eat one chicken wing segment and 3 slices of cooked carrot. Do you see why I have a problem paying $7-$10 for my meal? My 3 year old eats at least 4 times as much as I do. I don't expect to pay the price of a 3 year old, but at least allow me to be charged fairly such as the price for oldest child level or seniors. I don't mind paying for an adult meal at a regular place because I get THAT amount of food and can take it home and have several meals from it. However at a buffet this is not an option. People are not allowed to take leftovers. It is grossly unfair to those of use who have had this procedure done. No one is out to cheat you for 1/2 the price of a meal. The cards come from a surgeon and are only given to patients who have already had the surgery and are cleared to eat regular food. It is sad to see that you have lost the money my family and friends would have paid you because you didn't want to charge me a fair price. Not only did you not get the cost of my meal but theirs as well. I will be posting a copy of this letter on a gastric by-pass web site that has over 148,000 members and sharing it with my local support group. I hope you see this situation in a different light and make some changes. ************************** Dear Ms. XXXXXX Thank you for taking the time to email us regarding your concerns on our policy of not giving discounts to our guests who have had gastric bypass surgery. We strive to provide all of our guests with a superior dining experience at a fair price. As you can imagine, the individual preferences and needs of our customers differ considerably, yet we have found overwhelming support for the notion of pricing consistency and predictability. In fact, our one-price approach is one of the central features of our buffet-style of service and it is a key reason why customers frequent our restaurant in lieu of establishments that charge on a per-item basis or one tied to portion size. As you can see, we cannot honor your discount request. Again, thank you for taking the time to write us. We value your opinions and feedback. Sincerely, Michelle Miller Guest Relations Representative Ref # 20533 ************************************************************************************************** You and your company disappointment to the extreme! If you "have found overwhelming support for the notion of pricing consistency and predictability" and "strive to provide all of our guests with a superior dining experience at a fair price" then you darn well better start charging the SAME PRICE FOR EVERYONE INCLUDING ALL CHILDREN AND SENIORS! By charging them less you are in fact practicing age discrimination based on the age of your guests. Why should a 48 year old man be charged more than a 4 year old or 86 year old??? Fair price my eye! My guess is your response is going to be that they don't eat as much as an average adult. Well guess what? People who have had gastric by-pass surgery can't even eat 1/2 as much as a 4yr old and are much less likely to waste unwanted food. We know what we can and can't eat as well as how much. In the past when we have been your "guests" I have seen countless plates of uneaten food that children think they want or their parents think the child wants. In the end it gets thrown out because the child can't eat any more or refuses to eat it. You need to wake up and smell the roses! This refusal to accommodate someone with a medical need will cost you a lot of business. I will be sure to share your shallow minded uninformed policy with everyone I know. — Kathy J. (posted on August 13, 2003)
August 12, 2003
They should offer us senior portions, thats what Ponderosa does here. I am
over 2 years out and can eat as much or more than a child. But certinally
not what I used to:)<P> Now I have eaten at buffet places a few
times, but dont mak it a habit. I think its related to why a alcholic
shouldnt ang out in bars.
— bob-haller
August 12, 2003
My surgeon gives his patients a laminated card saying we've had gastric
bypass surgery.I just had surgery last week so haven't been able to use it
yet.I have talked to several of his other patients that said when they show
the card they have been able to order a senior or childs portion.Most
restaurants will honor the card and the ones who wont just don't go
there.So many people are having this surgery maybe someday they'll have a
special menu for us.
— Gussie
August 12, 2003
Kathy did they charge you more when you were pre-op and as most of us do,
ate two or three platefuls?. My solution to this is to not go to buffets.
Have you ever sat back and looked at the people eating at these places and
watched them eat? 3 out of 5 are overweight. Even when I was pre-op, I
couldn't help but look at this, knowing that was what i looked like too.
— Delores S.
August 12, 2003
Kathy, you need to channel that anger and resentment into something
positive. Gastric Bypass patients make a choice to change their lives and
must adjust with that all that comes with it. This includes working with
policies that are in place that were developed to address the masses.
Buffet restaurants are classic hang outs for over-eaters and food junkies.
Food theft is a huge problem and their policies protect their profits.
I have never been to an "all-you-can-eat" establishment that
allows for "brown-bagging" leftovers. If it makes you happy,
boycott your local restaurant. I would also offer that taking children to
food-fests like this send the wrong message and encourages gluttony and
overeating. Teaching portion control and wise food choices should begin at
home. We should learn from our mistakes so that our children don't repeat
them.
— Barbara M.
August 12, 2003
I agree that just because we chose to have wls doesn't mean restaurants
need to cater to us (no pun intended). If I choose to go to a buffet then
I know I'll pay more than what I can eat. My choice. I almost always
prefer to go to a regular place so I can take the ledftovers home for the
next day.
— [Deactivated Member]
August 12, 2003
I'm with you guys, I haven't had the surgery yet (date 12/11/03). I love
the Old Country Buffet, but I also understand that you can't take your food
with you and if you did, it'll probably spoil or you'll end up eating that
meal for days. I've decided that buffets would be a place off my list for
that reason unless, like the Golden Corral, where you can both buy a meal
that you CAN take with you or use the buffet. I don't see them changing
the policy until enough people have gastric bypass and stop going to their
restaurants and then that will cut into their profits and then the policy
will change. Maybe in a few years (as it's predicted that approx 90,000
people have this surgery yearly). Companies usually don't change policy
until boycotts happen.
— tinky471
August 12, 2003
Kathy....
I agree with the other posters. We chose this surgery and we also choose
where to eat. I eat at a buffet style restaurant about once a month and
pay full price. I never even thought to ask for discount..I figure I got
more than my moneys worth all of those years..it all balances out. Let it
go and enjoy your new life!!
— mary ellen G.
August 12, 2003
I agree to a point. You are choosing to go to a buffet. A buffet is based
on averages. Some eat more, some less but it all averages out.
Unfortunately you are now on the very low side of the average instead of
probably the high side of the average before surgery. If I go to a buffet,
which is only chinese, I know that I am not going to get my money's worth
and that's just the way it is. I'm choosing to go there. To me it's worth
it to have the variety and I can have a little of many things. Try
spending $28 on a meal and only being able to eat 1/4 of it and no
refrigerator to put the leftovers in so it gets thrown away. I did about 2
weeks of this on vacation this summer. It killed me but left me no
alternative if I wanted to eat and eat something I should.
<p>You are going to have to choose different places, ones that allow
you to bring the leftovers home. I have a card but have never used it. I
want the leftovers for additional meals. Is it really in your families
best interest to being exposed to buffets. That's how many people get fat.
Plus they are typically loaded with high fat, carb laden dishes. I would
think setting a new example for your children would be best.
<p>The bottom line is that just because we had WLS just not entitle
us to something special or that we deserve something special. We chose
this life and it is not fair to expect others to recognize it or respect
it.
<p>You may not agree with me and that's fine. Fair is fair though.
I ate way more than the norm before surgery. It's just beginning to even
out.
— zoedogcbr
August 12, 2003
I don't think restaurants need to accomodate OUR choices. Although I
believe it would be good PR for them to be accomodating, it is certainly
not required. Do they charge extra for big football players, or extra
large persons? I figure I ate plenty extra pre-op, and now it's just
balancing the scales. As a previous poster said, it's based on averages,
and children and senior on average may eat less (although the senior thing
may be a there to help those on restricted budgets). If they need to
accomodate our medical situation, what about others where cannot eat as
much due to medical conditions? It's opening up a can of worms, and I
don't think we're entitled to special handling. It's their choice to price
their meals as they see fit. It's our choice whether or not we eat there.
— mom2jtx3
August 12, 2003
Did they charge you double when you were eating more than the average
person? Think about that and then maybe consider writing an apology letter
to the restaurant. If it bothers you that much than just don't eat there
anymore.
— classite
August 12, 2003
I am pretty much in agreement with the other posters who responded here. I
am greatful I didn't get charged double when I ate more then the average
person. I could definitly put away a massive amount of food. That said I
don't enjoy buffetts like I used to. I hate paying and knowing I'm not
getting my moneys worth and I also hate seeing all that food and my dang
head wanting it all and my tummy saying nope..can't have that. I find it
frustrating to have so many choices. So I kind of prefer restraunts now
where you order just a dinner no buffett. Preop the buffett would have been
my favorite. Now I pay more attention to the appetizers.
— Carrie D.
August 12, 2003
I too agree with the others. A resturant can give us a discount but they
dont HAVE to and I dont EXPECT them to. Yes it would be a bonus for them
to accept our cards and it would be great if the powers that be caught a
clue but its really not their problem that I HAD to have surgery so I would
stop digging my grave with my teeth. If your family likes to go there, suck
it up and go too. ~Sidney~ Open RNY 10-23-02 down 110+ and counting
— Siddy I.
August 12, 2003
One last thing... by the time you're a couple of years out, you'll be
eating just as much as your thin friends. No one watching me eat would
ever know that I had by pass surgery. I notice that I eat the same amount
as my friends who are careful about their weight.
— mom2jtx3
August 12, 2003
I tend to agree with the other posters. If the restaurant doesn't want to
accomodate your request, then stop going. Also, I don't think the price of
Old Country Buffet is so great that you can't just pay the regular price
and eat what you can.
I don't expect any restaurant to honor my card; if they do, great, if not,
that's OK, too. Regards,
— goldiekratz437
August 12, 2003
If you are not happy with the establishments that will not offer you a
discount for a buffet or a regular meal, then go find another place to eat.
As many before me have said, they didn't charge you twice when you ate
more than the average person, why should you expect them to charge you less
post-bypass??? Sorry, but I think your rant is out-of-line and as a
previous poster suggested, the energy you're wasting on this is better
spent elsewhere...JR
— John Rushton
August 12, 2003
Kathy, I have to echo the other sentiments expressed here. My mom weighs
87 lbs and obviously eats very little, in fact much less than many seniors!
She doesn't get any extra discounts becaseu she eats tiny portions. I have
asked at some restaurants to have a senior portion or a luncheon portion,
so I don't have so much left over. Buffets are pretty much out any more if
it's just me and my DH (he had surgery,too!).
— koogy
August 12, 2003
I took my son to Friendly's to eat while back to school shopping the other
day. I wanted to get something from the childs menu or seniors menu. My
son is 13yrs old and the child menu only goes up to age 12. The waiter
said no I can not oder from there and I did not have a card but did attempt
to explain about my surgery and limitations. He said something about the
register not being able to ring it up unless I was under 12yrs. old. (like
he doesn't put the info in or something!) So my son ordered what he wanted
and I ordered nothing. the waiter knew I was not happy, but I dealt with
it. It did effect his tip though! I will not go there again unless I go
with my husband who I can split a meal with. It sounds good to bring home
left overs, but my pouch does not tolerate reheats! I get sick from
leftovers!! These restaurants need to wise up in my opinion!! Research
shows that 60% of americans are overweight, and alot of this 60% are going
to try to lose the weight, and a good portion of these people will have
this surgery. I don't consider this surgery a "trend" as some
people state, but a butt load of us are having this surgery. Therefore,
this countries restaurants need to recognize this and start gearing meals
for us or offering the alternatives!!!! I am much too busy to cook all the
time, and I enjoy going out with my family or and friends to eat from time
to time. So, I agree with you. I don't go to Old Country Buffet around
here because they were found to have a dirty restaurant.
— wildchild
August 13, 2003
I think with all he problems we have in the world today we should not be
wasting our time writing to a restaurant chain who wont give us a discount.
Use that energy for something that will improve our world. I had surgery
so food issues wouldn't waste any more of my life. I don't want to sound so
harsh but either pay the money or don't go back.
— Cagspence S.
August 13, 2003
I just wanted to say, don't bother with the buffet! I also wanted to add
my two cents worth concerning the tip to the waiter. While his excuse
doesn't add up, he is following company policy. He relies on your tip to
make a living. Just don't go to Friendly's if you don't like their policy.
Did your son receive good service? Was he friendly, even though you were
angry? Just tired of people shooting the messenger, especially when it
effects the lifestyle of someone barely making minimum....
— dimpkd
August 13, 2003
Sorry to disagree, but I have one of those cards from my Surgeon but I have
never used it and we go out to eat a lot. No one owes me a discount and I
only order what I think I can eat. If I can't eat it all, I take it home.
Restaurants are in the business to make money. If you don't like a
restaurant, don't go back. But most of us had this surgery to appear
"normal" and I don't want special favors just because of a
surgery I've had.
— Cathy S.
August 13, 2003
I don't think it's right at the amount of people that have posted insults
at the original poster. If you don't agree with her personal beliefs, that
is your choice, but you don't have to post up here about why you think
she's wrong. While I can relate with every comment that has been posted
here, I personally agree with her and I wish her luck in getting a positive
response back from Old Country Buffet.
— kristynush
August 13, 2003
We have a Hometown Buffet right across the street from us and my husband
and boys love to eat there. I hate to deprive them so I grab a snack at
home before we go and if I get hungry while we're there, I just grab a
nibble or two off one of their plates. It's not like I'm cheating the
restaurant - I've already paid for my family to eat and I don't eat more
than a bite or two. But I honestly don't expect restaurants to give me a
break on prices. They are a business and it is their goal to make money.
So when we go out to eat, I either split something with my husband or I
order something that I know will keep in my fridge for a couple of days and
I make several meals out of it. No big deal. I chose to have this surgery
- now I have to adapt to the world as a thin person. I can't expect the
world to adapt to me! Incidentally though, there are many restaurants who
do bend over backwards to please their customers. Many can and do honor
the cards that some of us carry. I've been in several restaurants where I
asked point blank if I could order from the children's menu (without
showing a card) and they allowed me to do so. You'll probably find that to
be true too. Buffets are really a waste of money for most people (even
those who haven't had WLS) unless you plan to devour everything they have!
— MomBear2Cubs
August 13, 2003
Kristy--
Where are the insults? I don't see any. We all have a right to our
opinions, and as long as people aren't nasty, I see no reason to censor
ourselves. We're all adults here, aren't we?
— [Deactivated Member]
August 13, 2003
Yes kristy, where are the insults. We just explained to her why we thought
she is wrong. Sometimes you have to point things out and give people a
different perspective and then they realize they are wrong. I don't think
anyone was trying to hurt her feelings or bash her.
— Delores S.
August 13, 2003
To Kristy: 1) Disagreement is not insult, while I have read much
disagreement, I have read no insults thus far; 2) This is a DISCUSSION
board, hence opposing views are (or should be) welcomed, or at the very
least expected.
I agree with most of the previous posters, and am glad to see us WLS folks
not expecting the world to bend to our whim. Most of the USA is overweight
because they want and eat larger portions. If the restaurants 'get smart'
and reduce portion size, they will soon lose their customers to those
establishments that offer large portion sizes.
— [Deactivated Member]
August 13, 2003
Personally, I am shocked by the number of comments from people who have
been obese and still have the idea that all obese people go to buffets just
so they can fill several plates of food and gorge themselves! This simply
is not true. I am sure there are some who have but it is discriminitory to
think that is what every obese person does. I also don't agree with all of
the comments about her taking her children to a buffet. First she didn't
ask for parenting advice and second if you read carefully ahe said they go
there for special occasions or a nice family dinner out not every night.
I've never really been big on buffets but I think the poster has a point.
I probably would have just stopped going there because I'm not into
confrontations and I tend to keep my surgery private but if you have the
energy for the fight then more power to you. Best of luck.
— citygirl1971
August 13, 2003
This is in response to Kristen about what I tipped at Friendly's.....He
recieved 20% on the bill. That is what I always tip, unless the server is
terrible then I at least give 15% of the bill. He would of recieved more
if I had ordered, had the Restaurant had a better policy. And that is how
it affected his tip. And actually he screwed up my son's order, and service
was slow, and we did not say anything about it.
— wildchild
August 13, 2003
I'm having my surgery Friday. When I'm able, I intend to go out to
restaurants, including Old Country, with my friends and family. My friends
and family come in all different sizes and shapes. They eat all different
amounts. The light eaters don't ask for special accomidations when we go to
tbe buffet. I want to be like them! I want to eat what I need, make choices
based on how hungry I am and not be treated any differently than an average
Jo going to a restaurant.
— JoSyrNY
August 13, 2003
The power of consumerism. Boycott them. They are already on my list of
places I no longer go to. It's all about choices and lifestyle. As a large
person I lOVED large portions and would skip a place if I felt they served
skimpy servings. Now, as someone watching my weight I do the same thing
over supersized portions and lack of healthy choices. I have literally
walked out of restraunts because of the lg. size of the servings or lack of
light items on menu. So what? I'm sure they had a good laugh over it, but I
bet ya, if everyone unsatisfied with serving sizes/menu choices walked out,
they would scramble to make changes. I don't want anything free or
discounted. I just want healthier choices and smaller portion options. I
also don't want to be forced to carry out and lug around food that can
spoil before I'm ready to go home. There are plenty of buffets that offer a
one time plate visit price, that I can avoid the ones that don't. My two
cents. -Kim
— KimBo36
August 13, 2003
These phrases sound like insults and personal attacks on the original
poster to me: "you need to channel that anger and resentment into
something positive" ~ "we should not be wasting our time writing
to a restaurant chain" ~ "did they charge you double when you
were eating more than the average person" ~ "maybe consider
writing an apology letter to the restaurant" ~ if it bothers you that
much than just don't eat there anymore"
This is a discussion board, and I agree that everyone is entitled to their
opinions, but Kathy posted this question obviously to find support of
people that agree with her or have had similiar experiences.
Like I said, everyone is entitled to voice their opinions, but if someone
posted something like "I'm 5'8" and weigh 100 pounds now, but I
still want to lose more weight," would you "support" that
poster by making comments like "you're too thin" or "you're
obviously anorexic" or "stop losing weight"? I should hope
not.
I didn't mean to offend anyone, I just think that we should be respectful
of posters and if you don't agree with wanting to support their experience,
pass up that one and don't put your two cents in. I do not see anywhere in
Kathy's original posting that asks for our feedback on whether or not we
agree. She was just looking for others who feel the same way and who want
to join the crusade.
— kristynush
August 13, 2003
Regarding the senior menu...I don't think the lower price is necessarily
based on food consumption.I think it is based on a matter of their
percieved general income level wich might be lower as they are retired and
out of courtesy and respect for our elders.I don't see the need for
restaurant cards,especially at buffets.For 20 years I ate enormous portions
at buffets and got more than my money's worth.For the rest of my life,if I
go to a buffet I'll be eating less than my money's worth so it just evens
out.My surgeon as well as a lot of surgeons do not give out restaurant
cards because they want us to live as normally as possible and to be
accountable for the decision that we chose and not expect people to
accomodate us but to accomodate ourselves.It isn't the restaurants problem
that we have eating restrictions so we should not expect them to accomodate
us.
— jennifer A.
August 13, 2003
I may be in the minority, but I don't think we're "owed" any
special accomodations just because we had WLS. This was MY choice, and one
of the consequences is that I cannot eat much, and if I CHOOSE to go to a
buffet, then I'm going to end up paying for a lot of food I've CHOSEN not
to eat. Let's not make our WLS everyone else's problem to deal with. Didn't
you get sick of all the "special" treatment you got as an obese
person? Just try living normal - which includes NOT demanding special
treatment at a buffet, which I'd like to add - we probably shouldn't be
going to anyway!
— Angie M.
August 13, 2003
Kathy,
I would just like to say that I too enjoy going to buffet resturaunts even
after WLS. I am in a little different position than you because I am
pleased to pay $8.00 for a meal in which I can have a bite of several
things rather than paying $20 for a meal that I package up and bring home
only not to tolerate the dried out leftovers very well. The variety is
enough of an incentive for me to pay the money; however, I do congratulate
you on your efforts and appreciate your initiative. I hope that you get
the response you are seeking and until then I will try to visit more
"cost effective" resturaunts such as Golden Corral, rather than
resturaunts who won't consider discounts even on a case by case basis.
— denisel
August 13, 2003
Opened up a can of worms here, didn't she?? I am pre-op so I eat at
Hometown and of course pay regular price. But I do NOT eat plate after
plate of food because I am fat! In fact, I probably eat less and certainly
waste less than the average size person. It's amazing that obese and
formerly obese people are still depicting obese people as the ones that
have to go to all you can eat places otherwise we are not satisfied! I do
not eat more than my "fair share" and I certainly won't be eating
more than my fair share after surgery. If they have a lower price for
children and seniors they should have a lower price for medical reasons.
They obviously need to develop their guest relations skill. By the way,
Dolores was just rude to state that the original poster is wrong. She is
not wrong she is expressing her opinion just as everyone else is. This is
a message board for OPINIONS!
— Ellie H.
August 13, 2003
I don't think having a senior or child discount is hardly in the same
category or relevent to wls.You don't choose to be a child or senior and
that it is a nice perk that some restaurants offer but we do choose
wls.Also....I'm not saying just obese people get more than their monies
worth at buffets but I know that I did.
— jennifer A.
August 13, 2003
To those who think a restaurant should make special price accomodations for
persons with medical conditions, doesn't this open up a HUGE liability for
the business? Anyone can sue if they think that their situation is special
enough to deserve consideration and show just cause why. If someone has
heart disease, should they pay less because they will only eat (for
example) a salad and a bit of meat? Should someone who just naturally has
a tiny appetite get a price break? And just who should be in charge of
deciding who gets a break and who doesn't? Should the servers eyeball a
person's eating habits and make a judgement call on what is a fair price?
Democracy in action: If you don't like how a business operates simply don't
go, tell your friends and family and maybe they won't go either. Complain
to the owners/management if you please. But be prepared for the mass
majority to just go along, especially if the mass thinks the business is
being as fair as it can be.
— [Deactivated Member]
August 13, 2003
****ORIGINAL POSTER HERE***** Thanks for the support to those of you who
have expressed it. And those who have disagreed--you are entitled to your
opinion as am I (smile). Let me set a couple of things straight. 1) We do
not eat here every day 2)My children as very healthy and actually a bit
under sized for their age. 3)My children fight over who gets to eat
vegetables at home. I need to make extra. My kids are 8 and 3 and we have
trouble getting them to eat anything but veggies sometimes. They do not
make pigs of themselves when we go to the buffet nor have I or any of my
family. I am the only one with a weight problem. 4)No, I was not charged
extra for being overweight in the past, but I have been treated very rudely
based on my size on many occassions while eating out and doing other things
and I am tired of it. Would you put up with being charged extra? 5)When we
do go to the buffet for a special occassion I am not the one making the
decision. It is usually when family from out of state come to visit. This
is where they like to go and if we want to visit with them, this is about
the only time we can. They enjoy this set up because we can have a large
group. 6)Only one chinese place in town offers the carry out from a buffet.
None offer the pay for only one trip option. 7)I don't believe that they
would let me not pay and just sit with my family. 8)Old County Buffet USED
to honor the card, but suddenly stopped. The only way to let ANY business
know that people disagree is to let them know. Most places won't even
consider making a change when one person complains. It takes the voices
(and emails) of many to get them to reconsider. This is why I posted. 9) I
have no intension of going back there at this point.
— Kathy J.
August 13, 2003
I, too, am quite surprised at the agressive nature of the responses to this
question. I know I'll get blasted for saying this, but I think much of
what has been said could have been said in a)a nicer way and b)without such
negativity. And dont email me if you disagree, please. No time for
negativity here..sugery's on Monday:)
Anyway, I agree with the poster that said use the power of consumerism.
Don't eat at Country Buffet if their policy displeases you. I would also
think that your family would take into consideration that you've had the
surgery and might think about finding a suitable place for everyone to eat.
I'm totally saying this in a positive manner and without any negative
undertones:) (and I will try to keep those positive thoughts going as I
golytely myself silly on Sunday!)
— kathy B.
August 13, 2003
Hi Kathy J- Someone posted about a one-trip option available at some
buffets. I had never heard of that but think it's a great idea. That way,
the restaurant doesn't have to decide who is more "worthy" of a
discount, the customer makes the choice to eat and (hopefully) pay less.
Anyway, it's such a great idea, I thought maybe Old Country Buffet might be
open to the suggestion. My family likes going there too so I'm sure I'll
be eating there post op. I plan on making the one-trip suggestion to them
the next time I'm in there. But if they don't follow my suggestion, there's
really nothing I feel the need to do. They have the right to charge
whatever they want, just as I have the right not to eat there anymore.
Hope it all works out for you :o) Mea
— Mea A.
August 13, 2003
This is a Question and Answer board not a Question and Only if You agree
with Me, Answer board. Just because someone doesn't like people's answers
does not mean anyone was insulted or attacked. The bottom line is a large
portion, based on the response to this question, of MO and SMO people do
not feel that a WLS patient is entitled to anything special. End of story!
The original poster does not agree with this and that's fine. But if you
only want agreeing answers then post that when you put your
question/comment out there. It's an open forum and that means agree and
disagree will both be posted.
— zoedogcbr
August 13, 2003
Wanted to point out that I consider what Jody M does as stealing. What's
the difference of her "couple of bites" versus a new post-op
there to eat who actually would consume about the same thing? She IS there
eating without paying. I realize she says her whole family pays but there
you don't pay as a family, its per person. Also the original posters family
had also paid. And besides that, try walking into that restaurant with a
young child and telling them you aren't willing to pay for your child's
plate because they'll "only eat a few bites". They'll be the
FIRST ones to point out that's why they have childrens rates (ie. eat less
= pay less) which is the entire point of the entire thing.
— Shelly S.
August 13, 2003
Shelly - actually, at some places that offer a buffet, you can talk to the
people before the meal and explain the situation...and they may just let
you eat off a dinner partner's plate without paying for another meal. Our
family was at a Days' Inn in Stroudsburg, PA when I was about 2 1/2 months
post-op and I took them to their Sunday brunch. I asked if they had meals
other than the brunch because I had had gastric bypass surgery and I didn't
feel that it was worth it to me to pay $14 (or whatever it was) just to eat
a few bites of something. The waiter said that I was welcome to eat my
few bites of breakfast off my wife's plate (I was able to get my own OJ).
I thanked him both then and in the tip *G*...JR
— John Rushton
August 14, 2003
For God sake pay the full price or do not go...we can not expect the world
to make exceptions for us ...did you pay double when you used to go and
overeat? I bet the answer is no...be very greatful for the surgery and get
on with life God Bless You
— shambil
August 14, 2003
Wow, I have never read such negativity on this board, I am disappointed.
Yes, both sides are absolutely open to post their opinions, but do 50
people need to say the exact same thing? Is this issue really this
controversial? I will not say on which side I stand, I think both have been
well represented, HOWEVER, I would like to say "Good for you." To
the original poster for her follow-up response and answers to all the other
posters, I think she handled all these negative responses with grace and
poise. I also agree with the poster who said that she did not ask for
parenting advice. Don't email me your negative comments either, instead,
try taking a walk and counting to ten.
— Erinn D.
August 14, 2003
Here is a quick idea: call ahead and ask to speak with the manager on duty
of what ever restaraunt you want to go to and explain your situation then.
If they agree then you can go and if not, you won't have wasted your time
and gas going there.
— Baby Blues
August 14, 2003
I am pre-op and I was really dissapointed in some of the answers to this
question. We are a group of people who have the same goals in mind. We
should be helpful to one another. Would it be so hard to have every member
take 5 minutes out of their day to go to Buffets Inc and show solidairity
towards this topic. I know we do not deserve special treatment but there
are a lot of people who have this surgery who are on disability and could
benefit from a price break for old country buffet. We are 100,000 sreong
and growing each week. I for one was glad to write them an email stating
how obvious there practice was not very compassionate. I know many of you
have stated your distain toward the origanl poster but hey give here a
break it was just a request from her feoolw bariatric patients.
— D P.
August 14, 2003
I agree that it is terrible that some people are so upset by someone else's
opinion. She was asking people who felt the same way to back her up and
help out. I know there are many people in my small town who have had the
surgery and it would probably benefit some resturaunts to offer a small
price reduction rather than loose them as customers all together.
— Saxbyd
August 14, 2003
Wow! I have never seen such a heated thread. Not only was the original
post long, but reading all the responses has just taken up 20 minutes of my
time! As I look through all of the previous posts, one thought jumps to
mind. We can all AGREE TO DISAGREE and still be family without alienating
each other. Let's keep that in mind. Just wanted to say that at Old
Country and HomeTown Buffets (which are owned by the same company), the
decision to give the discount must be made by the local management, since
our local Old Country Buffet DOES give the discount. I show my card and
get in for $4.50. I can see why the original poster is upset, but
personally, I don't let things like this make me mad. If you like the
place, just go and enjoy yourself. Otherwise.......
Freedom of choice, God Bless the USA!
— RedHeadBeauty
August 14, 2003
Several restaurants I have gone to have offered me a reduced price and we
frequent them because they do it. If they don't we go to ones that do. I
was disappointed that country buffet did not. I don't go there now.
— Carol H.
August 16, 2003
It seems like $7-$10 is a bargain as an ENTERTAINMENT price. After all, you
said that, "We have always gone there for special occasions as well as
just a nice family dinner out." So it's not just the food, right?
— Annie H.
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