Using Bariatric Restaurant Cards While Dining Out

Wednesday, 29 July 2009 14:37

After weight loss (bariatric) surgery, most patients can start eating solid foods a few months after the procedure. As a result of this, they may find themselves finally able to go out to eat at a restaurant with friends and family. However, this can be a a somewhat difficult experience for many patients, as their "new" stomach or pouch can only hold about 3 ounces of food at one time. Doctors recommend ordering off the child/senior menu or requesting half-size portions, but some restaurants are hesitant to allow adult patrons to do this.

For this reason, wallet-sized bariatric restaurant cards are recommended. If they are not provided by the patient's surgeon, one can be made on a home computer. The card tells the server and/or their supervising manager that a weight loss surgery patient can only have meals up to 3 ounces in size. The wording on the bariatric restaurant card goes something like this:

SPECIAL MENU REQUEST
[Patient Name Here]
This patient has had bariatric surgery, resulting in the ability
to only have up to 3 ounces of food at a time.
Please allow this patient to order a half-size or child portion from your menu.
Thank you for your consideration.

[Surgeon Signature Here]
[Surgeon Name and Phone Number Here]

After the card is printed, get the bariatric surgeon's signature and then laminate it a local copy center so it lasts longer. This is a discreet way to make the server or manager aware of the situation and therefore able to accommodate weight loss surgery patients accordingly. Many restaurants are happy to consider these types of requests, but if there is a question as to whether or not they may accept the bariatric restaurant card, call ahead of time and ask if they accept them and/or they allow adults to order half-sized portions or off the child's menu.

Besides these cards, there are several other things that weight loss surgery patients can do in order to have a positive dining experience:

• When ordering a regular-sized meal, ask the server to box up half the meal right away.
• Order one entree and ask for 2 plates to split the meal with a friend. Be sure to ask if there is a split plate charge.
• Order 3 or 4 sides, such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a side salad, instead of a full meal.
• Order from the appetizer section of the menu - these are often smaller portions.

Dining in a restaurant or outside of the home doesn't have to be a torturous or negative experience. Planning ahead and choosing restaurants that are bariatric friendly will make the experience much less stressful.