Dining in and around Disney after Weight loss Surgery

[Disneyfanatic36]

Hi Everyone,
I had gastric lap band surgery 4 weeks ago. My husband decided today that he wanted to do Disney this Thanksgiving week. I'm in a panic about what to eat. I know we could not get any ADR's at this late notice so it would have to be counter service. I can't think of anything that would be part of my food plan. Has anyone dealt with a situation like this? Can you bring food in and if so is there a place to warm it? I appreciate any help or suggestions.

 

[Disneyfanatic36]

just bumping hoping that someone will be able to help

 

[denisegold]

I haven't had the surgery, but a couple friends have, and I'm a nurse, so I have also taken care of patients who have had it done.

My instinct is to say- it's Disney, not prison. I don't know how lucky you'll get with heating things up, but no one can tell tell you that you can't bring your food in. You can also eat of your DH's plate. I have read (on these boards) that you can get a card from your surgeon that states you had the surgery, so you can pay children's price for any buffets/character dinners.

Also, please check the disAbilities section of this board- I haven't been there, but other post surgery people have been directed there.

Good luck with it. I predict it will work out fine. I haven't had the surgery, but I am trying very hard to lose my weight on my own, and being in Disney isn't going to help things. I have lost 11 pounds in the past 3 weeks, and I will not blow it next week at Disney. I wish they had more healthy choices. (I know they do have some, but my one big downfall is I don't like salad items).

and PS- just remember to take your vitamins and stay hydrated. Also, don't give up on ADRs- this board has an awesome thread of people who are going to cancel their ADRs- I got a Crystal Palace reservation there that I would have never been able to get otherwise.

 

[bigbabyblues]

Where are you staying? There are microwaves in the food courts at the value resorts, and I believe the moderates also; I don't know about the deluxe resorts.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest going to the disABILITIES Forum and look at Post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs. There is a large section in that post dealing with special dietary needs, as well as many related links. You can get directly to the disABILITIES FAQs by following the link in my signature.

This is a very common topic of discussion in the disABILITIES Forum.

 

[Inkmahm]

I had gastric bypass surgery a couple years ago and I've been to Disney 7 or 8 times since then plus 2 Disney cruises. You'll be fine. There is protein available everywhere. Portions will be WAY too large (don't get into the habit of having your husband finish your food for you, either.)

You won't have a problem finding the water that you need, either. Go and enjoy! Don't worry. Really.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

It might be a good idea to browse through the menus before you go. You can find menus for every restaurant at WDW at www.allearsnet.com. Look through them and make a list of each place in each park where you find something you can eat. When it's time it eat, it's a lot easier to just pull out your list rather than wander around and read menus. I did this for our trip in 06 since I have a rather picky son w/autism. It made things a lot easier. Have a great trip!

 

[Withacy]

I just had the RNY in August, and we're going in March. I'm not too concerned, the further out I get from the surgery and the less finicky my pouch gets. I know some people who've had the surgery get really bent out of shape over wasting food (big portions, can't eat much) - but I'm learning to shrug it off.

There are just so many options. And I noticed more of a trend toward healthier, non-fried food on this last trip.

Referring to what someone said above - my surgeon has those cards (about having had the surgery & ordering from the children's menu) - I've never bothered because I seriously don't WANT anything off the children's menu. But you're saying they'd honor those for a buffet (paying children's price)? That seems so very UN-Disneylike to me. Do we have confirmation of that (someone who's experienced it...lately)?

 

[Inkmahm]

I just had the RNY in August, and we're going in March. I'm not too concerned, the further out I get from the surgery and the less finicky my pouch gets. I know some people who've had the surgery get really bent out of shape over wasting food (big portions, can't eat much) - but I'm learning to shrug it off.

There are just so many options. And I noticed more of a trend toward healthier, non-fried food on this last trip.

Referring to what someone said above - my surgeon has those cards (about having had the surgery & ordering from the children's menu) - I've never bothered because I seriously don't WANT anything off the children's menu. But you're saying they'd honor those for a buffet (paying children's price)? That seems so very UN-Disneylike to me. Do we have confirmation of that (someone who's experienced it...lately)?

I got that card from my surgeon but never used it You're exactly right, the food on the childrens menu is NOT generally food that we can even eat!

I've not tried to pay the child price at Disney for any buffet or show. It's just not worth the hassle to me. Also, it was described as most of the cost is paying for the entertainment at the shows and the food is secondary. So, I pay the adult price, eat my little bit, and still am happy.

We were just at WDW in October for Epcot's Food and Wine festival. I skipped the wine part but had a great time with the tiny portions of food being served! They were perfect for me. I wish I could get tiny portions like that on ALL the menus at WDW all the time!

As for snacks, when we were at the MK for the Halloween party, I tried to eat chicken nuggets. I normally don't have problems with chicken and I figured even deep fried nuggets wouldn't kill me as I eat deep fried chicken so rarely these days. BUT that chicken was SO dry I just couldn't eat it. I was very very thankful for the sliced apple snack I found a little later near the Astroglider ride. They also have carrots and celery with a ranch dip but I didn't try that. The apple slices were perfect.

 

[Withacy]

I've not tried to pay the child price at Disney for any buffet or show. It's just not worth the hassle to me. Also, it was described as most of the cost is paying for the entertainment at the shows and the food is secondary. So, I pay the adult price, eat my little bit, and still am happy.

As for snacks, when we were at the MK for the Halloween party, I tried to eat chicken nuggets. I normally don't have problems with chicken and I figured even deep fried nuggets wouldn't kill me as I eat deep fried chicken so rarely these days. BUT that chicken was SO dry I just couldn't eat it. I was very very thankful for the sliced apple snack I found a little later near the Astroglider ride. They also have carrots and celery with a ranch dip but I didn't try that. The apple slices were perfect.

We're going to 1900 Park Fare and Boma (in March) - so those are the buffets I was thinking about (not the dinner shows, though 1900 Park Fare is a character meal). But I tend to cross the street to avoid a hassle, so I probably won't even ask about it.

I have to go to 1900 Park Fare to have my picture taken with Prince Charming. On my last birthday, the dear Prince talked my goddaughter into taking my picture with him (I almost never let my picture be taken - so I'm usually camera-girl). It horrified me. But now that I'm losing weight, whenever I go back to Disney I'm going to have my picture taken there with the Prince for the comparison!

Dry food is a killer. Especially since we're not supposed to drink with our food. You didn't have trouble with the apple slices? I worry too much about the peal, so I haven't tried them yet (I'm still with the unsweetened applesauce).

I'm going to miss all the lovely desserts. Oh well. Being able to walk instead of using an ECV makes it worthwhile!

 

[77SU]

I just had the RNY in August, and we're going in March. I'm not too concerned, the further out I get from the surgery and the less finicky my pouch gets... Referring to what someone said above - my surgeon has those cards (about having had the surgery & ordering from the children's menu) - I've never bothered because I seriously don't WANT anything off the children's menu. But you're saying they'd honor those for a buffet (paying children's price)? That seems so very UN-Disneylike to me. Do we have confirmation of that (someone who's experienced it...lately)?

I was there in July 08 after surgery the end of May 08. I used my card at dinner at CM and breakfast at Trails End with no problem. We did dining OOP for 8 days. Since I was at 7 weeks post surgery, my "dinner" at CM consisted of about 6 boiled shrimp, some salmon, and maybe some chicken, as long as it was just plain. I ate off one salad plate. "Breakfast" was the equivalent of maybe two scrambled eggs. Since we had a bad experience at CM (lack of characters coming to our table, but that's for another thread), I didn't feel bad about paying for a child's portion because we weren't entertained.

I never ordered a child's meal from CS, because nothing was legal. I would do a veggie burger or grilled chicken sandwich without the bun and give the sides to the family. The salmon entree at Sunshine Seasons was my favorite.

We are returning in June 09 and we have purchased DDP for three adults. My DW and DD will be getting an extra dessert more than likely. Since at a year, fruit may just be added back as allowable.