Question:
Does anybody have a restauraunt guide for Post-Op?

I travel quite a bit for business and will be traveling shortly after surgery. I need tips from fast food to fine dining.    — [Anonymous] (posted on July 3, 2001)

July 3, 2001
Hi. I only have one for Fast Food. I have small children..so it was pretty helpful for me. Enjoy ;) http://kenkuhl.com/fastfood/fastfacts.shtml
   — Nicole P.

July 3, 2001
When I'm at a restaurant, I generally try to order grilled or baked meats and fish, salad or veggie and no potato. However, I've been known to order whatever I want, bring home the leftovers and eat them for the next 3-4 meals. I do stay away from deep fried foods (except the occasional fish and chips that I split with my kids), pastas, and sandwiches. I haven't found dining out to be much of a challenge - in fact, many times, it is cheaper than cooking because I seem to use the leftovers rather than toss them. Since you are traveling, this may not be useful to you. But, you could always order appetizers.
   — Allie B.

July 3, 2001
In regards to fast food they all have a guide to what their fats/proteins etc...are. I'd start picking those up now. I generally eat the grilled chicken and sometimes I've had a broiled hamburger. Depending on how I feel as to whether I eat the bun or not.Drinks I usually have the bottled water or unsweetened ice tea. Somtimes if I'm not real hungry I have the yogurt/fruit to hold me over until I'm home. I find it easier to dine out at a resturant. I always look at what's low fat and then look for grilled or broiled meats or fish. Don't be afraid to tell your server how you need it prepared. The chefs are usually very accomodating. I find a large selection to choose from. Usually every diner has turkey(high in protein)if I'm stuck. I have even gotten fat free pizza(usually just a tomato pizza but it's pizza) Anyway, you can always purchase off the appetizer menu or even ask for the childrens portion if you're staying in a hotel. If not, just bring those leftovers home and you have a few more meals. Eating out really isn't difficult. Try to have a game plan on hand-maybe be familiar with the restaurants you'll be eating at if possible. Best wishes
   — Linda M.

July 3, 2001
Hi. My Dr. gives you a card that allows you to order off of the childrens menu. ( You can also print a generic one from this sight ) While I can understand you may feel uncomfortable doing this on a buisness dinner, I thought I just share that w/ you for when you go out with friends/family.
   — sgeisendorff

July 3, 2001
I, too, enjoy eating at restaurants much more now. However, I flat out don't do fast food any more. I do miss the convenience sometimes, but it's just not a part of my new life. I have ordered off the children's menu a time or two, but order more often off the senior's menu (better choices) & have not been told I couldn't even once. I do order appetizers a lot. I sometimes order a hamburger & tell them to hold the bun. Usually, they say OK without batting an eyelash. Meatlof, turkey, pot roast, hamburgers, nachos with meat, shrimp, crab legs, steamed clams, pork chops, Eggs Benedict (just ignore the muffin), omelets, salmon, and, of course, steaks are some of my stand-bys. I have found that most places are very happy to accomodate you if you just tell them what you want. I often say "neither" to soup or salad, as they tend to fill me up too much for the main course. I also usually ask them to hold the fillers like potatoes or bread. One trick I have learned: sometimes, while eating, I just need to get up & move around a bit so I make a trip to the bathroom. That draws out the meal a bit & gives you a little more time to digest plus the moving around often helps. Sometimes, a waiter will see I'm not eating much & ask if everything's alright. I just say Yes, I guess I wasn't as hungry as I thought and smile. And I have decided to not ever worry about "wasting" food. I hope it doesn't sound cavalier, but really, the food was just as wasted when it wasn't needed & only fattened us up! Just like before the surgery, I now eat however much it takes to fill me up, then I stop. Better for the extra food to go into a doggie bag or even the trash than on me! Hope this helps.
   — Kathy W.