Sorry your first experience eating out was bad. It took me time to learn to eat out and as I look back now I think I spent more time in the bathroom throwing up what I could not eat than sitting at the table with my husband. In the beginning it was hard for me to constantly explain to people why I was so picky, why I didn't clean my plate and no it was not the food it was me. My husband was my best advocate, he had no problem saying, My wife had WLS and she needs a small plate, or we are going to share, or yes she wants the children's menu and no we are not paying extra. At first I was embarrassed by his comments but finally I gave in and realized he was right, unless I started speaking up I was going to end up eating things that made me sick or things I did not want. I have my favorite places to eat. PF Changes, Love there Ahi Tuna appetizer and cup of Hot and Sour Soup. I ate so much of this in my early days I had a gallbladder attach. The raw tuna was to rich for me! I love my local Mexican restaurant, they cater to me, they understand I had surgery and can see the transformation in me. They have fish taco's with grilled Tilapia that I love, I just don't eat the corn shells, no rice. I have rarely showen my card but we have done a lot of explaining, the one thing I have learned is this is my body and I will chose what I put into it. It does get better, order off the appetizer menu and if possible scope out the menu of the restaurant before you go online and you can know what your going to eat before you get there, If all else fails, always carry a protein bar, a cheese stick, some jerky or other protein with you so you don't feel pressured into eating something you do not want.

I have had decent success at restaurants until last week. I asked for a half order of a chicken salad and the waiter said he could charge 15% less than the full order. I gave him such a hard time he gave me a side salad with 1/2 chicken breasted on top!

Good advice not to try to something new in public!

Is there a card that states we need to be offered the ability to eat off the kids menu?