Cards that say you have had Gastric Bypass

[Ginger]

Did you all get this card from your Doc and do you use it and do the restaurants really let you order a half size portion?

[vervetomove]

No, I wouldn't use it anyway. I just order the regular portion and bring home what I don't eat.

[petham]

I got the card and I used it once. We went to a buffet style restaurant, where they charge you coming in. I got the children's price and didn't eat half of that. The restaurant didn't have a problem with it, matter of fact they said they get them quite often. I can't go to those types of places anymore it makes me too sad

[susan1219]

I got one and lost it. For normal restaurants I would bring my leftovers home, but I would like one for buffet style places. I wonder if I can ask my doctor for another one?

[shellyac]

My doctor's office also gives away a key chain that explains that I had surgery and that I should be allowed to order off the children's menu or order a smaller portion. It's handy because it's easier to pull out my keys than to look for a card in my wallet.

[Deleted]

I've never wanted or needed it- first, the kids menu is generally junk food which I have no interest in eating, 2nd, I've never had an issue ordering ala cart, anywhere whether asking for just an egg over easy with a slice of bacon at a breakfast place, or just a hamburger patty, no bun, steak, no salad or rolls, etc. If there's something on the app menu that looks great, wonderful. I order an app as my meal usually- no good server cares honestly. Lastly, I have no intentions of telling a total stranger why I don't eat as much as anyone else, and restaurants are in no way obligated to oblige the card, it is not law, it's just a courtesy. I have only had one server approach me after a meal to make sure all was good as I had only had a tiny nibble, I smiled, said yes- and asked for a box.. no issues at all, no card needed. I do not frequent buffets, never have.. but all you need to do if you wish is tell them you cannot eat much due to surgery, and see if they will give a break. Otherwise, the cards are available online to print out as needed.

[Deleted]

Having a spouse who has the same surgery makes life easy...order one meal typically and just share.

Liz

[shellyac]

I just realized that I didn't answer the second part of the question. I have asked to order off the kids menu three times (twice at IHOP and once at Ruby Tuesdays) The first time at IHOP I was able to order without having to explain or show the key chain, the second time at a different IHOP the waitress (who was relatively new on the job) took the key chain to manager and I was allowed to order and at Tuesdays I just mentioned to the waitress that I recently had surgery and couldn't eat alot and she brought the menu without question. I did notice that their kid's menu does allow adults to order from it but that they would be charged $2 extra but I wasn't charged extra.

[reinventingangela]

I can see how the card could come in handy...even pre-op there have been plenty of times when Ive just wanted to order bread or a salad when the rest of my family goes to the buffet but Im not sure I would be flaunting that card around too much...guess I'll be finding out soon enough!

[dawn]

I split with my husband, or I just take home the leftovers. We like to go to this BBQ place where they give you 1/2 a chicken and two sides. I eat about 3 to 4 ounces, or 1/2 of a chicken breast. I'll eat 1/2 the salad and he gets the rest. Works out perfectly! :-)

[Deleted]

Well, since I never felt compelled to pay double when I ate like I'd just escaped from a famine, I see no need to ask for a discount now...and everything jo said.

[ilovechocolate]

I wouldn't do it. It's not their fault I had surgery.

And sharing food is sort of frowned upon here. So I usually order an entree and small side salad.

[muffinsmom]

I got one, before switching surgeons and going to Aceves, who doesn't give them out. I never used it. I order what I want, eat what I want, take it home or not, depending. I don't feel the need to explain to wait staff, but I'm always smiling and happy at a restaurant, I like going out to eat, and wait staff have invariably been just outstanding. The people I hang with don't go to buffets, so no issue there.

Pre-op, I did used to go to the Sizzler by myself every coupla months, just for their salad-and-dessert buffet, it was one of my pigout places. I haven't been in the 18 mos. since surgery, and have no plans to go...

[Deleted]

I have a card and no idea where it is. I have a stash of plastic containers in my car and husband's truck. I put my left overs in one and my lunch for the next day is ready. I have yet to encounter a problem by bringing in my own to-go containers. I'm not exactly saving the world, but I get a lot of use out of one of them before it's ready for recycling as opposed to adding mounds of Styrofoam to the dump.

[Ladytaz]

I wouldn't use one. I really don't want to advertise that I have had WLS. I get upset when the waitress keeps pushing me to get a drink or asks if I liked the food. I have no problem bringing food home as it's one less meal I have to cook. I have also found that most places will let me order off the senior menu. Not a compliment since I'm not quite old enough at most places but I'll take it.
Many restaurants are also offering half portions for a reduced price but I just get the regular size so I have leftovers. Appetizers are also an option.
The only time it would be an issue is at a buffet but I figure that I could never eat enough to get my money's worth even before surgery. They aren't in the business to lose money so I am sure there is a good profit margin. I look at it as an opportunity to try different things and have some of everything I like. Even though I only take a small spoonful of most things I still leave most the plate so I figure I got my money's worth even if I didn't eat it all.

[NHpod9]

Feb 5, 2012 14:05:56 GMT -5 @jo777 said:

I've never wanted or needed it- first, the kids menu is generally junk food which I have no interest in eating, 2nd, I've never had an issue ordering ala cart, anywhere whether asking for just an egg over easy with a slice of bacon at a breakfast place, or just a hamburger patty, no bun, steak, no salad or rolls, etc. If there's something on the app menu that looks great, wonderful. I order an app as my meal usually- no good server cares honestly. Lastly, I have no intentions of telling a total stranger why I don't eat as much as anyone else, and restaurants are in no way obligated to oblige the card, it is not law, it's just a courtesy. I have only had one server approach me after a meal to make sure all was good as I had only had a tiny nibble, I smiled, said yes- and asked for a box.. no issues at all, no card needed. I do not frequent buffets, never have.. but all you need to do if you wish is tell them you cannot eat much due to surgery, and see if they will give a break. Otherwise, the cards are available online to print out as needed.

Ditto, especially the part of having no desire to share my medical history with strangers.

[elenamurray1]

Never used it. I have never had a problem ordering just appetizers or ala carte.

[So Blessed]

I've never used a card. I usually split a meal with my husband. We make it a point to tip well since the server is taking care of two people. If I'm eating out alone, I order a la carte. Sometimes I will tell the server that I have a small appetite and ask them for a suggestion.

[tek]

I originally wrote this back when the world was young, and there was generally some sort of expectation of special treatment. I'm delighted that attitudes on this sort of thing have changed, for what I believe, is the better. This is not intended as an attack on anyone, just my oddball thoughts on the various aspects...

RESTAURANT CARDS

A “Restaurant Card” is a business cards sized card, often laminated, usually given by surgeons reading something to the effect of:

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The holder of this card has had a surgical procedure which has permanently reduced their stomach capacity. Therefore… It is greatly appreciated if you would allow them to order from the children’s menu or to purchase half-sized adult entrees. Thank you for your consideration.
If you do not allow the holder of this card a substantial discount you will regret it. By saying "No" you are being obviously rude and have no appreciation for customer service. Sadly, this entire episode will destroy what could have been a wonderful experience for me and my companions, but I will be so upset that it will ruin it for everyone... I hope your happy! Such will be reported to your superiors in grandly exagerated graphic detail, at which time they will fire your ignorant arse.
Have a nice day.

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1. WLS Restaurant Cards differ from REAL Discount Cards such as AAA, Entertainment Book, etc. in one very important aspect: The REAL discounts are negotiated and agreed to by all parties in advance. The restaurant staff is briefed on how to handle the card. It is PRESUMPTUOUS to create and distribute a card asking/demanding a discount.

2. Restaurants are put into a losing position to start. If they say “no” to the card, which they had no part in creating or marketting, they are already making the customer unhappy. How is this fair even putting them in that position? Were I a restaurant owner, I would resent this card about as much as someone demanding a discount because they are a VIP (Very Important Person).

3. I had surgery. It was my choice to have my stomach modified so that I could only eat 3-5 ounces of food at a sitting. There are many people that have not had surgery that CHOOSE to eat 3-5 ounces of food at a sitting (imagine that!). I do not deserve a discount, or a special menu, any more than they do.

4. “I eat less than most children; I should pay what they pay”. Children’s prices are a marketing tactic to get parents to bring their kids (and themselves) to a restaurant. Children’s menu’s are not because children eat so little. Children’s menus are designed for children’s tastes. Bland and greasy.

5. Seniors Menus are also a marketing tactic to get seniors to come to the restaurant. If you’re not a senior, you don’t DESERVE a discount because you eat less than a senior. Many restaurants offer a ‘For Smaller Appetites’ Menu, this you may qualify for.

6. I don’t want the hostess, waitress, people behind me or near by, the busboy, or anyone else to know my medical history. It is none of their business, and I should not be making it their business simply to get a discount.

7. Buffets are “All you can eat for…” If all you can eat is 3-5 ounces, the price is the same as when you ate 30-50 ounces or 300-500 ounces. When you could eat 2, 3, or 4 times what the average person could eat, did you ask to pay more? Of course not. To remain morally consistent, you cannot ask to pay less now.

8. “I didn’t choose the buffet, my family did… Why should I pay when I only eat 3-5 ounces.” See #7. Further, you are there to be with your family or friends. Eating out now is even more about the company you keep rather that getting the most food for the least price. Actually, it should always have been about the company.

9. “I didn’t choose the buffet, my family did…” So, before WLS, did you pay less when you wanted Mexican food, but your family outvoted you and you ended up with Chinese? No, you went along to keep peace, to enjoy the company. Whatever your reasons were then, they’re the same now.

10. “I can’t eat all that, I can’t take leftovers home, I don’t want to waste it.” Waste it. Leaving leftovers is not the end of the world. In spite of what your mama said, leaving food on your plate is not a sin, and it will not help starving children in China for you to clean your plate now. You are not obliged to clean your plate. IN FACT, restaurants try to serve enough to satisfy large appetites and they expect people NOT to eat it all. They have trash cans out back for all the left over food.

11. Do you demand a discount at convenience store on a bag of potato chips because you can’t eat the whole bag, and a lot will go to waste? Why not, it’s the SAME THING.

12. Dinner at Chili’s cost $15 before WLS, and you left satisfied. Post-op, the same dinner costs $15 and you leave satisfied. The only difference is you leave food on the plate rather than nose marks. Often, rather than ordering a $15 dinner, you can order $10 appetizer, and you are ahead of the game.

13. "Restaurants should be considerate of WLS Patients." Restaurants should be considerate of EVERYONE. There are many groups of adults that eat less than 'normal', yet they do not expect discounts.

Obviously, or perhaps not so obviously, these arguments presume that people have integrity and that they desire their actions and opinions to be rational, supportable, and consistent. There are those that will do whatever is necessary to get a discount, which these arguments will not dissuade from this course.


On the flip side, this card will help me and my WLS to get me in to and out of other bothersome situations. With this card, I can cut in lines, speed through residential areas, skip traffic signals, all sorts of things. If anyone calls me on it, first beyond their pure NERVE for doing so, all I need to do is flash the card, and all is well.

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The holder of this card has had a surgical procedure which has permanantly and dramatically reduced their stomach capacity. Therefore, it is common for this person to get quick onset gastric or intestinal distress. This may require the person to abandon adherance to traffic laws, or in some cases, common decency, in their rush to the toilet. Thank you for your consideration.

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Bow to my WLS... Bow to my WLS, World!

[carolinem]

I have a card but have never used it. I try to order something that will taste good as leftovers and take half home with me.

[wonkad]

Nope...I just take the leftovers home.

[chili]

Don't use them....I prefer not to announce to the world I had Gastric Bypass. I just order as usual and take the rest home.

[gbp11282010]

Feb 5, 2012 13:57:48 GMT -5 shellyac said:

My doctor's office also gives away a key chain that explains that I had surgery and that I should be allowed to order off the children's menu or order a smaller portion. It's handy because it's easier to pull out my keys than to look for a card in my wallet.

That would be great. It would be much easier than pulling out my wallet card. I eat off of the childrens menu when we go out. We are really bad about throwing leftovers out, so it is a waste for me to order a normal size pay for it, then throw it away.

[MD]

Never heard of them and glad I didn't because I would have definitely tried to use it before now. In considering everything I just read...probably would not now. Thanks...good post.

[So Blessed]

The only time I'll order off a kid's menu is if I'm doing carry out. Otherwise, it feels sort of like cheating the restaurant.

[dtfrederick]

ROFL! I came to this post thinking it was like a get well card for people that had gastric bypass surgery! I'm such a goof ball.

[Deleted]

It's nobody's business why I eat what I eat and ABSOLUTELY no stranger's business that I had WLS. I've never had a moment's difficulty ordering exactly what I wanted in any eatery, even if what I wanted was a little portion of something. Nowadays I mostly order a full meal and just eat what I want. If there's enough to make the leftovers attractive to Mr. EN (as I generally don't eat leftovers), I take them home. Easy peasy.