Bariatric card for restaurants

You're right - it does come off that way.  Trust me, those who've never used a card should not try to come off as holier-than thou.  Having worked in the hospitality industry and having owned a restaurant, I can tell you that the majority of people in the business do not feel similar.

That said, my card only notes that I've had gastric surgery and for medical reasons, asks that I am allowed to order a smaller portion or order from the children's menu.  I have used my card once - at a buffet where the adult's price was $30+....I paid the children's price (which was still over $15) and ate my half-cup worth of food.  So, no doubt about it and call me cheap all you want...the restaurant still made out especially when you consider food cost. 

And, oh-by-the-way...we tipped on the $30+ per person rate.

I'm not being holier than thou. Simply sharing some simple truths and my perspective on the card.


Holier than thou is thinking I'm too good, or a better person for not using it. I honestly could give 2 poops if someone wants to use it. For my personal life, it's my choice. And, as for other restaurant owner, I'm friends with a couple of small family-owned restaurant owners, and they appreciate the fact that I do not expect them to accommodate me.

I should add that I'm an avid couponer, and frugal shopper. I have zero issue saving a buck, or using a coupon, BUT, that is the restaurant owner/operator's choice to offer that discount/coupon, I'm not asking them accommodate me because I chose to have my guts altered by using the BOGO 1/2 off when they've offered it.

And, I've been with fellow WLS patients who use the card. I see the looks the servers give. So, to avoid those situations, it's my choice to not disclose my medical history with perfect strangers.

Like I stated, after being over 2 years out, ordering a la carte items have never been an issue from major chain restaurants and eateries to small, family-owned local businesses. No one has ever questioned the "reason" behind it. I didn't yell at anyone, I was simply sharing a different point of view on how to navigate eating out, and enjoying an active social life post-weight loss surgery.

I just don't understand the need or desire to announce to strangers that I had my guts altered to lose weight an in turn try to save a couple of bucks. There's always a way around announcing my medical history to strangers, and I found when I don't make a big deal out of it, others tend to follow suit.

My reasoning for not using the card is strictly a personal decision. I find it odd that anyone would want to announce to a complete stranger that they chose to have their stomach removed. I received a card from my band surgeon. It has a picture of a banded stomach, and describes the procedure and that I couldn't eat very much. I just don't get the need to do it. If others do then so be it. I just choose to not subject myself to more judgment and that "deer in headlight" look from perfect strangers when I'm trying to enjoy a meal out with my family and friends.

Different strokes for different folks, and while I wouldn't choose to use a card, I honestly don't care if anyone else chooses to do it for their own personal needs. I just don't think the world should accommodate me because of my choices, and that's my perspective on waving that card around.

I have a card but I've never had to use it.  I usually try to find something that I can order for myself.  I don't find it very fair to "share" a meal with someone because then you are paying nothing.  I will "share" a portion of my husband's - a bite or two or his steak, etc., ONLY if I've ordered something for myself.   Like stated before, I usually find great options in appetizers like grilled shrimp or scallops, french onion soup (let hubby eat allll that cheese and croutons), lettuce wraps., etc.

I've had really good luck at Chili's and Bob Evans.  Bob Evans will let you order off the kid's menu but again like was stated before, most of it is battered, deep fried, carbs.  Sure mac & cheese sounds good but we all know it's not.  They do have "turkey lurky"  haha  which is sliced turkey, with mashed pot and gravy (if you want) I usually get it with brocolli.  Runs about $4.60 here.

Chili's has a great Lime Grilled Shrimp as an add-on that you can buy separate (6 shrimp).  Actually most of the add-ons at most restaurants can be purchased separately.

Just tell them you're not very hungry.  I agree with previous posters, your surgery is not really their business, but in fact, it is because you are reducing their tip if you order small so I also, increased the tip to what I would have spent before or double my husbands costs.

WLS pts save by not ordering drinks since we're not supposed to drink with meals!  So if you get anything excep****er - you're wasting your money!  Buying the full entree is not practical for me because no way will I eat the potatoes, veggies, or salad.  If I can get a brothy soup instead then I will consider taking home the veggies to add to a scrambled egg, etc.

Good luck and keep posting what you find at restaurants.

I don't have a card but I haven't had any need for one I just order an appetizer or ask to order off the senior menu "because I don't eat much"and they've always been OK with it. Just remember no restaurant has to accept the card it is purely up to them if they want to. Some do and others are adamapnt about not accepting them.

 I had one, but I've managed to lose it. I got to use it twice: once to order from the kid's menu when we were eating out because our power was out (so doggy-bagging was NOT an option, since we didn't want to open the 'fridge), and once to shut up a nosy server who was concerned I wasn't drinking my water and only ordered an appetizer to eat.

I am a widow and it isn't an option for me to split a meal. I was really annoyed last Friday night when I went to a supper club to hear a pair of jazz guitarists (paying a $20 cover to do so), and the restaurant decided to not offer their usual menu, but offer full-course meals with and without dessert. I would have been fine with just the crab soup, and the fish was really tasty, which is good, because it's four meals worth of fish. I'm sure I won't want fish for a long time after this week.

My take is that they should accomodate me, since I'm the one spending money, and my part of the bargain is I'll tip like I'm ordering a full meal. I shouldn't need a permission slip from a doctor for that.

So here's a thought. The system is such that the tip is a percentage of the bill. If someone orders salmon, they don't tip based on the price of filet mignon, just because they could have chosen the filet mignon but didn't.

 Here's my thought.  Who needs that extra $3 more?  I usually go with the waitress!  I sure wouldn't want her job at sub-minimum wage pay with an additional automatic 8% removed from the total of her daily meals served for taxes.  Most do an awesome job and we've all seen some of the jerks they have to put up with.