Question:
Where can I find a card that we can use in restaurants to get reduced prices?

   — Shirley F. (posted on April 24, 2003)


April 24, 2003
My surgeon gives his patients a card. I have found a printable one on the internet. I'll email you with the website.I've got to find it!!! Lindy 3/20/03 -37 lbs
   — Dixie Chick

April 24, 2003
Keep in mind that restaurants do not have to honor any such card. Some will, but some won't. I usually just order an appetizer or get something that I know will provide great leftovers for a couple more meals.
   — garw

April 24, 2003
Hi again,go to www.geocities.com/Heartland/Woods/4485/wlstable.html for a printable version of the cards. You can cover up the names and reprint for you. There are alot of restaurants in my area that will honor the card.Hope you have luck.
   — Dixie Chick

April 24, 2003
Here is where you can get the card just put your name and doc's name and you are all set. www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/restaurantcard.html
   — jnmcneil

April 24, 2003
I could've gotten a restaurant card, but I don't need it. The restaurant card, if recognized in the restaurant of your choice, will allow you to order from a child's menu. I have found that children's menus are full of junk food and doesn't have much I can eat. I usually order an appetizer or a regular meal that I can eat for days afterwards. Alot of appetizers are high in protein and are the perfect size for a post-op's meal plus a little leftover. Take care.<br> Lap-RNY 1/13/03 -100lbs & Counting!
   — thumpiez

April 24, 2003
I live in the Phoenix area and my surgeon/dietician provided a card with the St. Lukes logo on it that we were to fill in our name. I have used it only once when I couldn't find an appetizer or someone to share a meal with. I am 3 plus months out of surgery and I am finding more and more protein items to eat such as shrimp that is on the appetizer menu. I was able to eat the burger out of a childs cheeseburger from Burger King , but very slowly of course. I am finding more and more options eating out such as cottage cheese and fruit as a side. Ask your surgeon if he provides a card, if not just explain to your waitress, most are very helpful in helping you find options. Good Luck to you!
   — Laura K.

April 24, 2003
I have only used my card from my surgeon twice in restaurants - once at a buffet and someone else was paying, and once to order off the children's menu at Bob Evans (turkey lurkey - slice of tukey, mashed potatoes and green beans - still too much food!) I have used the card more for the very nice drawing on the back of the card that shows how the stomach, pouch and intestines appear after the surgical procedure. It has been great to be able to tell an interested person about the surgery and have a picture that explains it! (It is the size of a business card so very convenient to carry.) I don't use it because there are lots of people who eat like we do now - only they never had surgery and have to pay regular prices. (They are usually not overweight, needless to say.) Another option in some restaurants to to request a "luncheon" portion, which will be smaller and cost less than the dinner portion. Another idea is to order a sandwich and request no bun. I can usually get a chicken breast and fries this way and I looks like I have a regular meal. I just eat the chicken and maybe a few fries, so it takes me as long to eat mine as others who order a full meal!
   — koogy

April 25, 2003
people have vast different idea's about this. persoanlly i think its wrong, if you go to a place and can only eat a small amount and feel some how cheated do not go. take the rest home with you for another day. they did not charge you more when you could eat more than 'normal' why should they take less now that you can not eat 'normal' it all balances out. if it is a 'all you can eat' place why go there??? if i owned a restruant i would not give a discount, i would still have to spend the smae amount on that person to clean up after them, set the table, wash the dishes etc. some people expect the childs meal prises, why are they a child? or a senior they have those for age groups not weight groups. order your food, ask for a box, take 2/3 of it hom and eat whats left there and enjoy it! come on people fat people have enough of a hard time getting by in society with out little cards to make us staound out and oddballs even more. now before anyone sends me hate mail we are all intitled to out own opinions,
   — janetc00

April 25, 2003
Seems I'm not the only one who takes this question to heart! I eat out 2-3 times a week. I have NEVER used a card requesting a discount and I have NEVER had any problem ordering from the appetizer or child's menu. Occasionally I'll have to give a brief explanation of why I don't want a full sized meal but I have NEVER been told that I can't have what I want the way I want it. If you want to go to an "all you can eat" type place (Ryan's, Barnhill's, Shoney's, etc.) and want to get a discount -- think of it this way. Before surgery these places could not charge us double for all the food we ate. Why should they cut us a break now? I generally avoid these type places now because the "all you can eat" mentality is what caused many of us to be obese in the first place. Before you go flashing your little card in restaurants -- try just ordering without it. I'm pretty sure that you won't have too many problems. Best of luck.
   — Pam S.

April 25, 2003
I have one from my doctor. I used it early out. I find that now I just take home what I don't eat for later. I have no opinion whether it is right or wrong since I know from working in the resturant business that it does not hurt them to honor these. (considering the amounts of food they throw way!) It is totally up to you and here's wishing you a good journey.
   — Oldsoul

April 30, 2003
I have found, even prior to surgery, that many restaurants will permit you to share an entree - Olive Garden is particularly good about this... So if you and your companion like the same food, ask if you can order 1 entree with 2 plates and then generously tip the waiter/waitress. You may have to pay for an extra salad, but that's far better than a full meal. My daughter and her boyfriend (both thin) use this technique all the time and have never been denied. Saves them money and reduces the leftovers which somehow always sit in the fridge until it's time to clean it out. Try it and enjoy!
   — Judy N.




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