Bariatric surgery

[Lou-Ann]

I have been a part of this board on and off due to diabetes, arthritis, c pap, etc. I now am contemplating bariatric surgery and have a few questions:

Have those of you who have had this had trouble finding foods you can handle at WDW?

How are you handled at buffets when you can only handle a cup full of food at the most? Do you show your card and pay a child's price or do you just avoid buffets completely? Can you just order some protein?

I would like to know what problems, if any, you have encountered following the bypass surgery relating to travel at WDW. This is such a life changing thing to think about and I would greatly appreciate any input you might feel comfortable giving. Thanks so much.

 

[Andyjo0930]

My mom has had this surgery and we have taken her to Disney twice since having it done (with the third trip next week). I wouldn't plan on going to Disney too soon after the surgery. You need to know which foods you are going to be able to tolerate. There are still days that my mom can eat something and she feels sick because she just can't tolerate it, or if she eats too fast. As far as the buffet goes, she has a card to show them, but since we have always been on the Dining Plan, we have never had to worry about it. The counter service meals, she usually shares something with my daughter and then we end up with a few extra counter services.

After the surgery, you will start adding foods slowly back to your diet. You will know what you can and cannot tolerate over time. Once your to that point, you should be able to enjoy Disney with no problems.

 

[Lou-Ann]

Thank you so much for your kind reply. I am so glad someone finally answered. I found it hard to believe that I was the only one with this issue. I really appreciate the time you took to help answer my questions. I wish your mom the very best on her journey to health.

 

[clanmcculloch]

I would suggest that you do not get the dining plan (unless you get it for free) as your eating habits will not suit it (if you get it free then just let the other members of your party use your credits and you pay OOP, with the exception of buffets where you'll pay for an adult meal regardless of how much you eat).

People have reported that even those who can not eat any food by mouth still get charged for buffets as the buffets are mainly just as much about the experience and character interaction as they are about the food. A few have reported that they've not been charged, but I believe the majority do have to pay full price. I would go expecting to have to pay and then be pleasantly surprised and thankful if they only charge you the kid price.

I would suggest that at TS locations you stick with appetizers and at CS locations either kids meals or order something a la carte (this isn't on the signs, but you can order just about anything a la carte).

 

[Lou-Ann]

Thanks so very much for your input as well. My fear with the kids meals is that so many of them are mac and cheeses and chicken nuggets. I would feel so much better if I knew I could stick with the suggestions such as shrimp coctail or other protein items. I do remember one time at Chef Mickeys when i just could not handle all the starches in their breakfast that I asked for a sandwich from last night's prime rib. I told tham I did not care what they charged me for it , but that was all I could have. They were very kind and got it for me along with a slice of tomato. I do not know what the charge was as we had 6 on our bill and we just paid it, but I do not think I paid for the whole buffet. I did, however offer to pay whatever they felt I should and was appreciative to get whst i knew as a diabetic I could handle.

I so appreciate any and all experiences anyone may have had. This is a big decision and I hear not terribly easy to adhere to in many places. Thanks guys, for your support and help. You are the best..

 

[smokeyblue]

I have a lap-band and was at Disney World last January and Disneyland in May and didn't have a problem. I never stay on site, and we usually eat counter service food. I was so excited that they had tuna salad in a cup at Epcot. It made for the perfect meal. Otherwise I've either ordered a baked chicken meal or a mexican meal like a taco or burrito. I can never eat all, or even most of it, but my boyfriend is more than happy to help me out! The biggest thing is keeping hydrated. I bring a water bottle and many packets of Crystal Light. I just fill my bottle up at the drinking fountains. It can be frustrating thinking about what you can and cannot eat, but if you just kinda take it easy and go with things you will find something to eat just about anywhere.

 

[Lou-Ann]

Thanks so much for your kind response. I am considering the by pass and am really concerned about the reaction to fats and sugars that can sometimes be put in foods, like Mayo or salad dressings. has anyone out there had to deal with this problem?