Dining at Disney post bariatric surgery - The DIS Discussion Forums

Moira222 · 12-07-2012, 08:35 AM

Hi Disers! I wasn't quite sure where to put this thread, so moderators feel free to move it. I am four days post bariatric surgery and have been looking for tips and advice for eating in the World now. Food is such a big part of Disney, and our family trips are no exception. When we go next i will a few months (2 or 3) post surgery. I am wondering how others on the boards have had surgery, whether its the band, gastric bypass or the sleeve/ how has this changed your experience at Disney? How has your family handled it? How have you ordered from menus? Kids portions? Half portions? Appetizers? Full order with lots of leftovers?

ktmsharpe · 12-07-2012, 08:59 AM

Hi Mary -
I'm 7years post op, but went down soon after my surgery. Being only a few months out from surgery, I would stick to sharing a plate with someone in your group (stay away from buffets, they are not worth the expense for us). Or you can order from the kid menu, just explain to the server if they question it that you are post op bariatric surgery. They are very understanding. Also, they all have sugar free syrup, you just have to ask for it. Good luck.

Krista

justcantwait · 12-07-2012, 09:24 AM

I too am about 7 years out. What I've done is reconciled myself to the fact that I will waste a lot of food in order to enjoy the little bit I can have. I have specific needs that must be fulfilled - it must taste good, and it must be moist enough to get down and stay down. I don't expect people in my group to choose things just so I can have them. I eat what I want, in portions I can handle, and throw the rest away. It works for me. I know it's wasteful, and I hate that part of it, but as selfish as it sounds, I have to look out for me and I'm worth it. Disney food is too good to have to settle for less than what I want. If I can accommodate my tastes with a kid's meal, I'll do that, so not as much goes to waste. I believe there are sites online where you can print out a card stating that you've had bariatric surgery and requesting that your needs be accommodated by allowing you to order a kid's meal. I personally have never had the need to use it. I say order what you want, eat what you can, and enjoy every bite! Have a great trip!

Kathy

Moira222 · 12-08-2012, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ktmsharpe

Hi Mary -
I'm 7years post op, but went down soon after my surgery. Being only a few months out from surgery, I would stick to sharing a plate with someone in your group (stay away from buffets, they are not worth the expense for us). Or you can order from the kid menu, just explain to the server if they question it that you are post op bariatric surgery. They are very understanding. Also, they all have sugar free syrup, you just have to ask for it. Good luck.

Krista

Good to know about sugar free syrup....though that wont help with a grand marnier slushy Lol. I have been perusing the kids menus, and trying to talk hubby out of all buffets. Bad part about that is that ALL the character meals except CRT are buffets.

Moira222 · 12-08-2012, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justcantwait

I too am about 7 years out. What I've done is reconciled myself to the fact that I will waste a lot of food in order to enjoy the little bit I can have. I have specific needs that must be fulfilled - it must taste good, and it must be moist enough to get down and stay down. I don't expect people in my group to choose things just so I can have them. I eat what I want, in portions I can handle, and throw the rest away. It works for me. I know it's wasteful, and I hate that part of it, but as selfish as it sounds, I have to look out for me and I'm worth it. Disney food is too good to have to settle for less than what I want. If I can accommodate my tastes with a kid's meal, I'll do that, so not as much goes to waste. I believe there are sites online where you can print out a card stating that you've had bariatric surgery and requesting that your needs be accommodated by allowing you to order a kid's meal. I personally have never had the need to use it. I say order what you want, eat what you can, and enjoy every bite! Have a great trip!

Kathy

Have you ever tried asking for a half portion from the adult menu? My doctor's office did give me a plastic wallet card asking the restaurant to consider letting me order half portion or from kids or seniors menu, just not sure how well it would bbe received.

Thanks for your feedback!

TheRustyScupper · 12-08-2012, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moira222

Have you ever tried asking for a half portion from the adult menu? My doctor's office did give me a plastic wallet card asking the restaurant to consider letting me order half portion or from kids or seniors menu, just not sure how well it would bbe received.

1) Disney does not honor "The Card".
2) Whatever is on the menu is what you buy and pay for.
3) WDW does not have half portions or partial portions.
4) And, at all buffets and all-you-can-eat, you pay full price.
. . . they can't monitor how much you eat or do not eat
. . . they can't be sure you really had the surgery
. . . they can't be sure if your are using fake cards or other people's cards
5) Your options
. . . share with another guest at TS ala-carte eatery
. . . throw away a lot from an adult menu item
. . . order from the kid's menu

princessallegra · 12-08-2012, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moira222

Good to know about sugar free syrup....though that wont help with a grand marnier slushy Lol. I have been perusing the kids menus, and trying to talk hubby out of all buffets. Bad part about that is that ALL the character meals except CRT are buffets.

Garden Grill in the Land is family style at your table as far as I know. Akershus breakfast is served family style at the table.

Moira222 · 12-08-2012, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRustyScupper

1) Disney does not honor "The Card".
2) Whatever is on the menu is what you buy and pay for.
3) WDW does not have half portions or partial portions.
4) And, at all buffets and all-you-can-eat, you pay full price.
. . . they can't monitor how much you eat or do not eat
. . . they can't be sure you really had the surgery
. . . they can't be sure if your are using fake cards or other people's cards
5) Your options
. . . share with another guest at TS ala-carte eatery
. . . throw away a lot from an adult menu item
. . . order from the kid's menu

Thanks! I had a feeling they wouldnt change it, but i do know they let adults order from kids menu at kids price.

:-)

travelbug24 · 12-09-2012, 01:30 PM

Six years out. I know what I can eat and what I can't eat. I ordered what looked good (full portion) and I had a collapsible container for leftovers and had it later for supper. Most often, someone would "help" me with my leftovers. Food was never wasted.

TheRustyScupper · 12-09-2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moira222

Thanks! I had a feeling they wouldnt change it, but i do know they let adults order from kids menu at kids price.

If paying out-of-pocket.

crashbb · 12-09-2012, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by princessallegra

Garden Grill in the Land is family style at your table as far as I know. Akershus breakfast is served family style at the table.

Neither of which help given that that it would still mean that the OP has to pay full adult price.

rebelbuddhist · 12-09-2012, 07:48 PM

We have e-mailed two different addresses at WDW and the Mom's panel and received very differing answers. Here's what we think--- no buffets will allow adult to eat for kid's price (except one Disney mom says The Biergarten did???)
no "take out" from any buffets for a person who eats only a few ounces for a later small meal. most kid's menus are not very friendly for gastric bypass patients-- lot's of fried food and high fat meats as well as sugary desserts. So buffets seem to be out unless you can live with paying full price and eating so very little. Table service seems better fit since one can order just an appetizer or share with another. WDW says no reduction in portion size nor cost. Of course, you can take out whatever you don't eat for later if it won't spoil and you want to carry left overs with you. Disney mom said character meet and greet buffets did allow her to pay only an entertainment fee and not eat nor pay for food. We received conflicting answers about one person ordering from the menu and the other eating something prepared and brought from outside the restaurant. No disney cast member can warm, microwave, or cook anything you might bring in. Also all agreed no adult can purchase and use child's DDP under any circumstances. Seems Disney is not as accommodating of the needs for gastric bypass patients as they are for other dietary needs, but it is doable with planning and forethought.

TheRustyScupper · 12-10-2012, 07:56 AM

We have e-mailed two different addresses at WDW and the Mom's panel and received very differing answers.
. . . yep
. . . this happens all the time, regardless of topic

Here's what we think--- no buffets will allow adult to eat for kid's price (except one Disney mom says The Biergarten did???)
. . . yep

no "take out" from any buffets for a person who eats only a few ounces for a later small meal.
. . . yep

Table service seems better fit since one can order just an appetizer or share with another.
. . . always the best bet
. . . sharing is always a smart option
. . . especially for the 3-5 ounces the surgery patient can eat

WDW says no reduction in portion size nor cost.
. . . this would be too hard to do
. . . they also would have too many requests from others
. . . additionally, takes as much time/labor for a small portion as a large

Disney mom said character meet and greet buffets did allow her to pay only an entertainment fee and not eat nor pay for food.
. . . this is TOTALLY up to the individual restaurant manager
. . . within the same eatery, different managers will allow different things
. . . it never hurts to ask

No Disney cast member can warm, microwave, or cook anything you might bring in.
. . . against Health Codes
. . . plus, they do not know if the food is tainted
. . . they could be introducing ugly critters/stuff into their own food chain

Seems Disney is not as accommodating of the needs for gastric bypass patients as they are for other dietary needs
. . . it is tough to accommodate everyone or every malady
. . . after all, gastric bypass does not fall under ADA
. . . although medically important/advised, it is still elective surgery

smiths02 · 12-10-2012, 08:38 AM

One piece of advice from a family member of someone who had the surgery. Especially since you are so soon out from the surgery, be very careful not only of the amount you eat but of what you eat. I know others said, "I just order what I want and throw the rest away." This might work great for several years post-op, but if you are only 2-3 months post-op, be careful of the bites you take. My uncle ate the wrong things when he visited us (he was still eating small amounts then, but not closely watching what he ate), and he was in the bathroom what seemed like the whole visit. I would rather skip some of the eating at WDW then spend the whole trip in the bathroom (and WDW is FULL of food that would have sent him to the bathroom).

I would not use this as a time to try a bunch of new food. Stick to what you have been eating the past 2-3 months before your trip.

kbneen52 · 12-10-2012, 04:33 PM

I am now almost 4 years post-op with the lap-band. I've been to Disney several times since the surgery and have tried a lot of different food options. The biggest thing is just know what works for you. I know that certain foods will cause problems or are likely to cause problems so I avoid them. Or in the case of pasta at Via Napoli, I eat very very slowly. If I'm staying on property, then I can take the leftovers with me. Otherwise, yes, I do waste a lot of food. That said, steak is usually a high caution food for me however, after running/walking the half marathon last January, the mushroom filet from Le Cellier melted in my mouth and I had no problems at all!

12-07-2012, 08:35 AM	#1
Moira222 Can't get enough of the Magic & Pixie Dust! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,369	Dining at Disney post bariatric surgery Hi Disers! I wasn't quite sure where to put this thread, so moderators feel free to move it. I am four days post bariatric surgery and have been looking for tips and advice for eating in the World now. Food is such a big part of Disney, and our family trips are no exception. When we go next i will a few months (2 or 3) post surgery. I am wondering how others on the boards have had surgery, whether its the band, gastric bypass or the sleeve/ how has this changed your experience at Disney? How has your family handled it? How have you ordered from menus? Kids portions? Half portions? Appetizers? Full order with lots of leftovers? __________________ Mary Ellen (TR) Go ahead and put it on DisBoards. Beware, I will get you...eventually \| (PTR) 32 + 24 + 20 + 4 = 5 Fantasmic Days in the World \|(TR) May 2011 Wilderness Lodge DH, DD \| May 2011 PTR \| January 2009 Wilderness Lodge \| January 2007 Coronodo Springs Resort

12-07-2012, 09:24 AM	#3
justcantwait DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Connecticut Shoreline Posts: 643	I too am about 7 years out. What I've done is reconciled myself to the fact that I will waste a lot of food in order to enjoy the little bit I can have. I have specific needs that must be fulfilled - it must taste good, and it must be moist enough to get down and stay down. I don't expect people in my group to choose things just so I can have them. I eat what I want, in portions I can handle, and throw the rest away. It works for me. I know it's wasteful, and I hate that part of it, but as selfish as it sounds, I have to look out for me and I'm worth it. Disney food is too good to have to settle for less than what I want. If I can accommodate my tastes with a kid's meal, I'll do that, so not as much goes to waste. I believe there are sites online where you can print out a card stating that you've had bariatric surgery and requesting that your needs be accommodated by allowing you to order a kid's meal. I personally have never had the need to use it. I say order what you want, eat what you can, and enjoy every bite! Have a great trip! Kathy __________________ Me DH DS(14) DD(10)

12-09-2012, 07:48 PM	#12
rebelbuddhist Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rogers, AR Posts: 162	some more info We have e-mailed two different addresses at WDW and the Mom's panel and received very differing answers. Here's what we think--- no buffets will allow adult to eat for kid's price (except one Disney mom says The Biergarten did???) no "take out" from any buffets for a person who eats only a few ounces for a later small meal. most kid's menus are not very friendly for gastric bypass patients-- lot's of fried food and high fat meats as well as sugary desserts. So buffets seem to be out unless you can live with paying full price and eating so very little. Table service seems better fit since one can order just an appetizer or share with another. WDW says no reduction in portion size nor cost. Of course, you can take out whatever you don't eat for later if it won't spoil and you want to carry left overs with you. Disney mom said character meet and greet buffets did allow her to pay only an entertainment fee and not eat nor pay for food. We received conflicting answers about one person ordering from the menu and the other eating something prepared and brought from outside the restaurant. No disney cast member can warm, microwave, or cook anything you might bring in. Also all agreed no adult can purchase and use child's DDP under any circumstances. Seems Disney is not as accommodating of the needs for gastric bypass patients as they are for other dietary needs, but it is doable with planning and forethought.

12-10-2012, 08:38 AM	#14
smiths02 DIS Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 1,283	One piece of advice from a family member of someone who had the surgery. Especially since you are so soon out from the surgery, be very careful not only of the amount you eat but of what you eat. I know others said, "I just order what I want and throw the rest away." This might work great for several years post-op, but if you are only 2-3 months post-op, be careful of the bites you take. My uncle ate the wrong things when he visited us (he was still eating small amounts then, but not closely watching what he ate), and he was in the bathroom what seemed like the whole visit. I would rather skip some of the eating at WDW then spend the whole trip in the bathroom (and WDW is FULL of food that would have sent him to the bathroom). I would not use this as a time to try a bunch of new food. Stick to what you have been eating the past 2-3 months before your trip. __________________ Disneyland 1981-1999 Countless day trips as a kid (born in OC) 2007-Portofino/Jolly Roger-DS 1st trip 2010-Jolly Roger Disneyworld 2003-AKL-celebrate DH return from Iraq 2009-AKL-Birthday Extravaganza-DS 1st trip 2011-CBR- room 2015-Hoping for a Poly dream trip to celebrate our twins first trip

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12-07-2012, 08:59 AM	#2
ktmsharpe Earning My Ears Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 1	Hi Mary - I'm 7years post op, but went down soon after my surgery. Being only a few months out from surgery, I would stick to sharing a plate with someone in your group (stay away from buffets, they are not worth the expense for us). Or you can order from the kid menu, just explain to the server if they question it that you are post op bariatric surgery. They are very understanding. Also, they all have sugar free syrup, you just have to ask for it. Good luck. Krista

12-09-2012, 01:30 PM	#9
travelbug24 Searches for Hidden Mickey's in carbonated beverages. Join Date: May 2001 Location: Riverland, in the U.P. of MI Posts: 1,388	Six years out. I know what I can eat and what I can't eat. I ordered what looked good (full portion) and I had a collapsible container for leftovers and had it later for supper. Most often, someone would "help" me with my leftovers. Food was never wasted.

12-10-2012, 07:56 AM	#13
TheRustyScupper ALMOST DAILY TRIVIA: How old is Donald Duck? (64) Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: 15-min from WDW. Posts: 15,117	We have e-mailed two different addresses at WDW and the Mom's panel and received very differing answers. . . . yep . . . this happens all the time, regardless of topic Here's what we think--- no buffets will allow adult to eat for kid's price (except one Disney mom says The Biergarten did???) . . . yep no "take out" from any buffets for a person who eats only a few ounces for a later small meal. . . . yep Table service seems better fit since one can order just an appetizer or share with another. . . . always the best bet . . . sharing is always a smart option . . . especially for the 3-5 ounces the surgery patient can eat WDW says no reduction in portion size nor cost. . . . this would be too hard to do . . . they also would have too many requests from others . . . additionally, takes as much time/labor for a small portion as a large Disney mom said character meet and greet buffets did allow her to pay only an entertainment fee and not eat nor pay for food. . . . this is TOTALLY up to the individual restaurant manager . . . within the same eatery, different managers will allow different things . . . it never hurts to ask No Disney cast member can warm, microwave, or cook anything you might bring in. . . . against Health Codes . . . plus, they do not know if the food is tainted . . . they could be introducing ugly critters/stuff into their own food chain Seems Disney is not as accommodating of the needs for gastric bypass patients as they are for other dietary needs . . . it is tough to accommodate everyone or every malady . . . after all, gastric bypass does not fall under ADA . . . although medically important/advised, it is still elective surgery

12-10-2012, 04:33 PM	#15
kbneen52 Earning My Ears Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 2	I am now almost 4 years post-op with the lap-band. I've been to Disney several times since the surgery and have tried a lot of different food options. The biggest thing is just know what works for you. I know that certain foods will cause problems or are likely to cause problems so I avoid them. Or in the case of pasta at Via Napoli, I eat very very slowly. If I'm staying on property, then I can take the leftovers with me. Otherwise, yes, I do waste a lot of food. That said, steak is usually a high caution food for me however, after running/walking the half marathon last January, the mushroom filet from Le Cellier melted in my mouth and I had no problems at all!