Dining Solo After Weight Loss Surgery: So Confused!

[Shelli_5]

I'm planning a solo trip to WDW this October & am really struggling with dining choices. I had weight loss surgery last year & still can't eat very much food at one time. In the past, I enjoyed having one table service meal a day, usually dinner. I started making ADRs with that mindset, but I'm beginning to think that I should stick with quick service meals instead. I can't share an entree with anyone since I'm going solo & it's hard for me to justify paying $25-50 for a meal knowing that I won't be able to eat most of it. So now I'm wondering if I'll be happy eating only quick service meals since I've never done that before. I would love to hear what other weight loss surgery folks have done.

Thanks,
Shelli

 

[Sir William]

As a result of (none weight related) surgery I had several years ago, I can only eat so much before I begin to feel ill. I've learned the signals so just stop eating, even if I only have a bite or two left. Most times I eat about half of my dinner at a restaurant and take the rest home. However, this is not usually an option when visiting the parks. On my trip a week ago I usually ate at CS as I got a more manageable portion, and if I left anything behind I didn't feel as guilty about wasted food or the money spent.

Granted, you don't get the ambience of a TS restaurant, but I can still plan my next activities, people-watch, or just read a book (which I always have with me when I travel solo). And, since I'm able to pick the time instead of being restricted by an ADR, I don't have to wait around for my table.

 

[Brit_Jude]

Have you considered not having the dining plan and paying out of pocket. That way you could order a kids meal or appertizers rather than a full meal. I think you would save money and not be tempted to eat too much which would probably make you sick and uncomfortable.

If you are going during the Food and Wine you could just purchase some Disney Gift Cards before your go and use them to try the tasting samples at the booths rather than full meals at a restaurants.

I know a lovely part of a Disney trip are the meals and dining experiences but maybe this trip you should concentrate on enjoying other aspects of the parks. Use the money you might save by not having the dining plan on some new experiences, tours etc. Celebrate a healthier you!

 

[winterman]

Do not do the DDP. You can keep your ADRs but eat appetizers instead of entrees. I have been doing that for years because I just can't eat too much at once anymore but also I find the appetizer choices to be more appealing.

 

[pjstevens]

I didn't see any reference to having the dining plan, just making ADR's. I had surgery seven years ago and I still cannot eat a lot at one time. We still do TS at times just because we enjoy the food there. I've just gotten used to leaving the excess behind (and often explaining that there is nothing wrong with the food to the CM). If you enjoy the TS you have ADR's no one says you have to order an entire meal. Order what you enjoy and eat what you can. Don't overdo it so you can enjoy your trip (I end up getting sick if I don't listen to my body, and my dh knows the signs). I hope you enjoy your trip.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I know that you can order Kid's meals at QS locations. However, I've never had the courage to try it at TS. Has anyone been successful in trying that? Otherwise, I think the appetizer idea may be your best bet. I've often wondered about dining also-although I haven't had weight loss surgery, I do have a small appetite and often spend $25+, then leave food on my plate. One reason I prefer dining TS at lunchtime is that portions tend to be smaller (besides the fact that prices are often lower and dining TS means that I don't have to fight the cowds looking for a seat at QS places then)

 

[anonymousegirl]

I had the surgery two years ago, and when I go solo, I avoid the table service, primarily because I would waste so much food, money, and time. I usually go during Food and Wine so I can get one of the small portion for lunch and one for dinner, at a great price too.

I often will eat in the bar of a great place like California Grill, or 50's Prime Time Café and do an appetizer.

Sometimes I will do a walk up at Sci Fi because I like taking a break in that cool, dark locale, plus I love watching the trailers and clips from the gosh-darn awful sci fi movies of the 50s and 60s.

 

[jessica289]

I have never had weight loss surgery but in most all the resorts have a microwave i can use in the food courts. Like captain cooks in the poly. So i take my leftovers back to the hotel with me to eat for breakfast or afternoon break.

I don't know if this helps.

 

[Shelli_5]

Thanks for all the great ideas! You've put my mind at ease. It looks like I have a variety of new options to try.

Shelli