Eatting Out Question

I know that I am a long way from being able to eat out, but I was wondering after WLS how you handle it. I mean, do you split a meal with someone? Or do you order from the kid's menu? If the person you are eatting with eats a regular portion, do you just order as normal and then leave the majority that you can't eat? Help me out here please.

What I do is when I order and my food comes out I will ask for a to go box. I put the food in the to go box and leave some out for me to eat right there. I never order anything to drin****il it is time to go I will get a to go cup with water or tea or something it. Hope that this in helpful...

It comes easy after a while. I eat from the regular menu and take a doggie bag home. Most of the places around Fredericksburg that I go to (Hard Times, Brock's, Steamers, Lone Star, etc) will actually give me a "box" at the beginning and put it in the fridge until we are ready to leave. It makes it much easier than keeping it on your plate while everyone else is eating their full portion. It makes it less tempting when you can eat more to not do so. If it isn't on your plate, you won't be tempted! In the beginning, you may find it a little uncomfortable, but it becomes 2nd nature. You really don't want to get kids' portions, if you can help it...they have lots of carbs.

I know some people have ordered from the kids menu, I do if it's fast food (like a cheese burger; if they have the option of fruit I will get that instead). As far as eating out; depending on if my fiance is with me and where we are; we will share a meal. Sometimes you can add something on to the main meal and it's fairly cheap. We went out to eat the other night and I have enough left over to eat for 3-4 meals!! I hope this helps you!! Take care! *HUGS*

Well Michael you pretty much got the answer I would give you.  I actually do both options.  I will sometimes share something with whoever I am out with or I get my own stuff and take a doggie bag home.  You do have to be careful, getting a box at the beginning is really a good idea, out of sight out of mind. 

We sure have some smart people on this board! They've given you all the tips I would have! :-)  One word about kids menus....unless it's fast food, the choices are normally not that WLS friendly (no wonder we have a childhood obesity issue in the country!).....also, it's just not that "right" to do in my opinion. I did it once and had to "explain" myself....uncomfortable for me and the waiter (who had to check with the manager).  I later learned that most restaurants lose money on kids menus....certainly not my goal.  The funny things is that the time I did order off it, I ended up puking for over an hour because of the fat (which I'm fairly sensitive too).....so not worth it! I considered it justice and haven't ordered that way again.  I am a "to go box at the beginning" kinda gal now.

You folks are so smart. Such good ideas. Thanks to everyone *****sponded.

And re: doggie bag--I had to learn what transports well/reheats well/is good as a leftover. Another thought, I don't recall if anyone mentioned--I often ask for an extra small plate on which to serve myself. The remainder goes in the box. I find this especially helpful with chef salad. It keeps me from putting dressing on more slald than I can eat at the restaurant. Also--keep in mind certain food preferences you have. For instance, I won't eat leftover seafood. Because of this I don't order seafood out. It is too good and too expensive to waste. A juicy hamburger sometimes doesn't reheat well with a soggy bun, tomato, lettuce, etc. Trial and error will the way to learn. Good luck, Lois

Since I'm a lapbander & not a RNYer, I don't think I'm qualified to answer.  However, I agree that the kids menu isn't a very good choice.  Even THEIR portions are too big & not very healthy.  But thanks to your question, I've learned a few "tricks" too, so thanks for asking.

I certainly dont care if you are a bander or a RNYer--everyone's input on this journey counts! I've been on these boards for nearly a year and I still learn new tricks.