Going Out To Eat - Waitresses

I'm just curious if any of you guys go out to eat and what do do with the waitresses...  I went out to eat yesterday and the waitress kept coming over every two seconds and wanted to take my plate away.  She was startled that I didn't want a drink (water, coke, etc).  Should I have to have explained to her that I had Gastric Bypass surgery and can't eat and drink at the same time and that I have to take a long time to eat my food and that is why I was taking so long? She seemed kind of impersonal so I really didn't want to have to explain to her as people at other tables could have heard and I didn't want to announce it to the world even though it is something I am proud of. Any simular stories and how do you handle it without eating too fast and getting too full too soon? 

No need to explain yourself to anyone--especially a waitress you don't know. If she were good, she would watch for your cues such as crossing your silverware or putting your napkin back on the table off your lap.     On the offensive side I always order water. It makes too much fuss if you don't order any drink....most waitresses have a stumbling block they can get over so I just order water and most likely don't drink it.   I have had several waitresses/waitors ask if my food were OK for I was eating slow or a small amount.  I just tell the white lie and say the food is just fine, I'm just not very hungry tonight and most of the time the server will offer to wrap it up for me. On another offensive note for eating at a friends house...I often will offer to bring something...and then I make sure it is something I can eat.  Depending on the type of occasion I can bring a crock pot of chili that goes over just fine for the guests and me.  This works for cookouts also.  If the occasion is a pizza get together I will offer to bring the salad..then I know I have something I won't get ill on. Hope these tips help you, and remember you never need to justify or explain yourself to anyone!! Joan

Some of my support friends and I often go out and the waitresses are very cordial and understanding.  When the bread comes at the beginning, we simply ask that they take it away.  When there is mucho food left over it is comical who is taking what home.  I have 5 kids so anyone that has food that they know won't be eaten later usually offers it to me and I gladly accept.  The waitresses at the Bickfords in Somerville loved to see our pictures and they often make sure that we have take out containers after our meal.  So I guess we have had different experiences.  Some people are very open about what they have gone thru and some are very private.  But it all comes down to yourself.  I often think about how people looked at me when I was 384 lbs and how I was consuming my food.  Now they look when I leave half my plate untouched.  You just can't win.

Best wishes,

Stephanie

384/234/199

Hey there,   I just ask for water when they take my beverage order.  That way I don't feel like I have to explain to the waitress or the people I am eating with.  Many of the people I eat out with don't know that I had surgery.  I might have a sip when the water first comes and then I just let it sit there.     I was eating outside with one of my friends on a really hot day and I kept giving her my water because she was so thirsty and I couldn't drink it anyway.  I'll also offer some of what I have on my plate to the people I am eating with. They are usually glad to sample and it makes how little I am eating less apparent to the waitress.   If the waitress questions me about everything being ok, I say it was very good and ask to have the leftovers wrapped up.  I will also do things like order a burger without the bun but they are pretty used to that with the prevalance of low carbs diets anyway.   It does take a bit of practice to learn not to eat too fast when you are with other people.  You definitely should not feel like you need to explain yourself.  I was out with some friends recently and only one of them knew that I had surgery.  I had some questions come my way about not eating bread and the friend that knows I had surgery said I handled them well.  I was on South Beach for so long that people I see often aren't too phases by my limited carb food choices.   Best wishes...it will get easier as this all becomes more routine.  ~Cher

Waitors/Waitresses always ask me if the food was ok. I just tell them yes it was fine and then I ask them to wrap it up for me. I always order something to drink anyways even if I don't really drink it at all. You definitely don't need to explain yourself to anyone! I think it was kind of rude of her to keep coming over trying to take you're plate. I usually get horrible waitresses when I go out so half the time it takes them forever just to come over and offer to wrap it up for me, so I have never had the same problem as you.

Well I go out to eat all the time. Sometimes I get a decaf coffee and sip it while the people I am with eat there appetizers. But when it comes to dinner I am very open with my surgery, for one if I have an eating problem say a food doesnt agree or a food gets suck((Never happened to me yet))) I want them to know I am ok. Also when out with my friends they will half the time at lunch just split something since portions are so huge nowadays. Like the cheesecake factory have you seen there salads?LOL!! It is all personal preference but it isone of those things only you can decide. It was an adjustment for me and my hubby but now it is just apart of our lives. Both of us. He has changed his food choices as well. Because like he states it. If you can eat it is within a healthy eating. If you cant eat it, I dont need to be eating it. When it comes to eating to fast I have learned to pace myself, but with the getting to full to quick. It is just a fact I will probably be done first as to get my pouch full and not overeat. So people are use to the main conversations happening after the first five large bites of food. Amy

Oh my I have seen those salads at the Cheesecake Factory and am dying to try one!!!!!  If you go on their website you can see a picture of them... are they good?