Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Anyone heard of a WLS "card"



Recommended Posts

I watched a few youtube videos of people who had been sleeved, and one of the guys had a card stating he had weight loss surgery. It fit in your wallet and you were supposed to be able to show it at restaurants and be able to get the child or senior menu with no hassle. Has anyone else heard of that or recieved one at the doctor? Just curious. My family all gets together atleast biweekly and goes out for a nice dinner. Would like to be able to eventually eat with them and i know i wont be able to eat a whole meal.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

One was provided in my post operative packet the day I left the hospital. I use it every week and in a year have had only 1 problem ordering off the childs menu. Mine provides a diagram of my sleeve (along with a short explanation) and my surgeons name and address with a request to allow me to order from the childs menu due to my reduced stomach size. Love it!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've heard of it. I think I also heard that you can make one up yourself. It's just a discreet way of letting the waitress know about your situation.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There was one floating around the forum a while back - you'll have to search for it.

It basically carries NO weight and is not really an "official" card as you simply printed it out and got it laminated if you wanted it fancy.

I would just ask the restaurant kindly, I simply state that I've had stomach surgery and can't eat much, may I order a child's or senior's portion please? Only ONE place turned me down so I just ordered something small and gave a bit to my wife and the rest got left.

We often avoid this by splitting an entree and / or taking home some for another meal - it is surprising that we can SHARE an entree and STILL take some home, portions are THAT huge now. No wonder we are all so fat.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Here's mine:

22amau.jpg

2vigjnk.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have one as well. My doctor handed them out at one of our support group meetings. Mine is basically a business card with text similar to the one shown above with my Doctor's office information on it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I received one from my doctor's office about a month after my surgery. The text is almost exactly like what Leah's shows above. It is on a business card, and it also has my surgeon's office name and contact info. My card also has my name printed on it.

I don't use it. I don't mind taking leftovers home. I have four kids, and if I am dining out, it is usually with just my husband. One or more of my kids usually claims my leftovers as soon as we arrive home. The food isn't wasted. :)

I did keep the card though because there may be a buffet meal or something someday that I will want to use it at.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I received one as well. As everyone has stated it just a card that simply states the procedure you've had and kindly ask that the resturant allows you to order from the senior/childs menu. I havent used it but plan to after my surgery. I dare the waitress in any resturant not allow me to use it! lol... You can not be forced to order food that you can not consume.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would only use this at a buffet or places that charge you to split meals. Children's menus are usually crap consisting of hamburger, hot dog, chicken strips, grilled cheese and mac and cheese.< /p>

I don't mind leftovers AT ALL. My plan is to ask for a "doggie bag" immediately, set out my portion and bag the rest. I would give my Soup or salad away - unless I planned to only have a bite or two.

I also keep in mind that the restaurant is under no obligation to accommodate me. Of course, I am under no obligation to return with my family and Yelp would probably hear of it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The back of my surgeon's business card has the message "The individual bearing this card has had special surgery for the reduction of the size of their stomach. Please allow the bearer to order a small portion at a reduced price or order from the child's menu. Thank you for your consideration."

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My card is similar to those above. I keep it right behind my driver's license so it's available to EMS. I have used it a couple of times, but most restaurants will allow me to order off the kids menu without a hassle. The notable exception is Red Lobster. They charged me $6 to order mashed potatoes when I was in the mushy stage. When I asked why I was charged double what the menu said the side item cost, they responded that they "had" to add in a charge because I hadn't ordered it with a meal. Needless to say, Red Lobster won't get any more of MY dining out budget.

Sonny's BBQ, otoh, is fantastic about it. I guess WLS is pretty common in my area of South Florida, because they didn't bat an eye when I asked if I could order ribs from the kid's menu. And, that meal is still too big for me! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have no such card and don't even tell a waitress about my surgery. I just order what I want and they give it to me. Crazy eh? It works every time. They just figure out the price ala carte and it's never much. I'll say I want a poached egg and an order of bacon or the 4 oz steak and the green Beans. I never get a hassle anywhere I go. Don't know why others have had trouble.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Where I live, sometimes ordering ala carte is more expensive. I don't know. I know that sometimes one just needs to eat out, but the salt and extra fat that chains like Applebees (yuck), macaroni Grill, Chili's, Cheesecake Factory and other chains put into their food in many cases far outdo the fast food joints.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

doc gave me mine after surgery

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Theweightisover2024🙌💪

      Question for anyone, how did you get your mind right before surgery? Like as far as eating better foods and just doing better in general? I'm having a really hard time with this. Any help is appreciated 🙏❤️
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        I had about 6 months between deciding to do surgery and getting scheduled. I came across the book The Pound of Cure by Dr. Matthew Weiner, a bariatric surgeon in Arizona, and started to implement some of the changes he recommended (and lost 13 lbs in the process without ever feeling deprived). The book is very simple, and the focus is on whole, plant based foods, but within reason. It's not an all or nothing approach, or going vegan or something, but focuses on improvement and aiming for getting it right 80-90% of the time. His suggestions are divided into 12 sections that you can tackle over time, perhaps one per month for a year if a person is just trying to improve nutrition and build good habits. They range from things like cutting out artificial sweetener or eating more beans to eating a pound of vegetables per day. I found it really effective pre-surgery and it's an eating style I will be working to get back to as I am further out from surgery and have more capacity. Small changes you can sustain will do the most for building good habits for life.

      2. Theweightisover2024🙌💪

        That sounds awesome. I'll have to check that out thanks!

    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      Just for fun last week, I ran two 5Ks in two days, something I would have never done in the past! Next goal is a 10K before the end of this month.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Teriesa

      Hi everyone, I wrote back in May about having no strength. I still get totally exhausted just walking from room to room, it’s so bad I’m using a walker with wheels of all things. I had the gastric sleeve Jan. 24th. I’m doing exactly what the programs says, except protein shakes. I have different meats and protein bars daily, including vitamins daily. I do drink my fluids as well.  I go in for IV hydration 4 days a week and feel ok just til evening.  So far as of Jan 1st I’ve dropped 76 lbs. I just want to enjoy the weight lose. Any suggestions or has anyone else gone thru this??  Doctor says just increase calorie intake, still the same. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Stone Art By SKL

      Decorative Wall Cladding & Panels | Stone Art By SKL
      Elevate your space with Stone Art By SKL's decorative wall claddings & panels. Explore premium designs for timeless elegance.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Losing my hair in clumps and still dealing with "stomach" issues from gallbladder removal surgery. On the positive side I'm doing better about meeting protein and water goals and taking my vitamins, so yay? 🤷‍♀️
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×