Best Fast Food & Restaurant Choices + Card From Nutritionist Info

I know this has been discussed before; but I'd like more input from all of you.

I have to be out of town next weekend; and will be about 18 days out from my RNY. I plan on packing a cooler with most of my foods. But I was wondering if any of you could suggest the best choices for dining out at fast food places and other restaurants.

Also, I've heard of the cards that many nutritionists give their patients signifying that they have had WLS in order to receive items from the "Kids' Menu". My Nut doesn't offer these yet and I would like to know the wording on the card so that I can suggest that she do this. Can anyone send me the text or scan their card and post it?

I would be very, very appreciative of any and all help on both of these things.

Thanks in advance!

That's tuff.  I would say Wendi's Chili after a month or so.  I would get a Carl's Jr. Chicken sandwich and throw away the bun.  Same with a Carl's Jr. hamburger...throw away the bun.  Carry peanut butter with you too.  Also a 2% milk may work of your in a fast food situation.  Test everything new, wait and see what the pouch say.  Very baby steps on the road.  You would hate to dump out in the middle of nowhere.  That could take hours and hours to adjust to.  Brian

I just had to say when you said baby steps I was laughing bc it remind me of the movie What about Bob... if you havent seen it rent it bc its hilarious... Anyway back to the subject at hand.... There are endless choices at fast food we can eat.. McDonalds - grilled chicken wrap hold the sauce, grilled chicken sandwich no bun or 1/2 bun, fruit and yogurt mini parfait, snack size fruit and walnut salad Wendys - lunch meat sandwich, grilled chicken, salads modified to your needs, baked potato, Winershnitzel - Spelling?  Turkey dog  Arbys - turkey wrap El Pollo Loco - chicken breast pull off skin KFC - same thing pull of skin, mashed potatoes Taco Bell - Bean Burrito, chicken soft taco, beans The list goes on and on but this is what I can tolerate.  Feel free to disregard anything I listed you cant tolerate. 

My first fast food was Taco Bell side of beans.  I did fine with that.  Now, I prefer a side of their steak.  It is considered a lean meat according to their nutrition information and it tastes a lot better then their ground beef which is a medium fat meat.  One side of steak is usually more than I can eat and it is really inexpensive compared to what I could eat before surgery.  My lunch now costs me around a buck and maybe a little change depending on which one I go to. I used to get a fruit and yogurt parfait from McDonalds until I read their nutritional info... low fat doesn't mean it is a good choice.  :o(  Loaded with carbs!

I ate at Wendy's today. I was dreaming when I ordered the taco salad. All I could eat was half the beans and two small amounts of lettuce on my fork. I would stick with the small chili from now on. I eat about 1/3 to 1/2. I have lost 51% of my excess weight since my consultation in October. Eating at restaurants had been my downfall prior to surgery. I may be getting into bad habits if I rely on restaurants again. Oh, but I love to eat out...it is different now. Three bites of my husband's meatloaf, and I could not touch my plate. Linda

The earliest dinner out that I ate was grilled salmon and mashed potatoes. The fish was very easy to consume - very soft & flakey. I had this at two weeks after surgery.

Wendy's chili is great and I put it on a side salad sometimes.  As far as the cards go...the kids menu are just junk food and why would you want to share your medical history with a restaurant anyway.  I just really don't believe that they really help in any way or are worth worrying about I think you are just wasting your time and your nutritionist's time with them.  Just order the suggestions from the other posters and stay away from the kids menus they never have any good choices anyway.  Have  a good trip.

Forget the card.... MOST restaurants won't honor it anyway.  Besides why announce that you had major surgery to the general public??   

Stick with the regular menu at all restaurants.  The "Kids" Menu is full of deep fat fried foods or mac n cheese.... NOT the thing to have this early out.  

You MIGHT find that some restaurants will let you order from a "Senior" Menu... give that one a try.  OR order just from the appetizer/side dish portion of the menu. 

You will find that you will be leaving lots of food at the table or asking for a take home container for your next meal.   

Try these foods when dining out:

Baked or Broiled fish

Grilled  or stewed chicken dishes.  Warning--grilled can dry it out--so chew well.  

Chili, refried beans, or baked beans

Soups

Cottage cheese

Mashed white or sweet potatoes, minus the butter etc

Well cooked vegetables like carrots or green beans--think OVER cooked, NOT steamed. 

I am over 2 yrs post-op and have NEVER had a card or even considered using the one that my surgeon's office would provide.  I always find something to eat on the menus of any restaurant that I have gone to----even when I was less than 3 weeks post-op.   

 

 

Here's my favorite link for restaurant facts: http://www.dietfacts.com/fastfood.asp As for the card ,here's my take.  It just isn't necessary.  Restaurants aren't obligated at all to give you any special priveledges with that card that they wouldn't do if you just asked them on your own.  I simply ask for a half portion of something, explaining that I don't eat much and I hate leftovers.  If a dish is able to be halved, many will accommodate with a smile.  Carrabbas Italian Grill will do anything I want them to do within reason.  They've even made me things that weren't on the menu. Also, try to convince hubby to order something that you can share with him.  Trust me, you're only good for a couple of bites anyway. Another thing to mention, is that the kids meals are often crap food anyway.  Fried ond fat-laden things that little kids prefer. 

I agree on skipping the card. I can never find anything on the kids menu that I like. You can check out many restaurants online to see their nutritional information. I don't know what you are allowed but there have been some great suggestions here already. Avoid anything fried, sauted or swimming in sauce. Watch for sweet sauces. Stick with simple menus and never be afraid to ask for special orders. I have had fancy salads broke down for me because I wanted the dressing on the side. Most places will do it easily. Also, ordering off the seniors' menu works great for me. I've never had a restaurant turn me down (and many will if you try to order from the kids menu or they double the price because they don't make money on them except to attract families with parents who order real meals). Many regular plates are offered on the seniors' menu much smaller and the side dishes are often better. Applebees has some great WW menu items that work well too. Expect that you will leave a lot behind or be prepared to take home for others to share. Enjoy your trip.