Disney Dining ? for those who have bariatric surgery

[gometros]

I guess this could easily be asked on the Dining forum as here, but I figure I'd have more luck finding people in a similar situation here. I recently had bariatric surgery and will be getting reintroduced to food right before our trip to WDW in a little under three weeks. I know to call 407-WDW-DINE for any special requests, but I was curious if anybody has had similar experiences and whether or not they had any difficulty getting their request across? Thanks.

 

[Jiminygirl]

I'm hoping to be about 6 months out from VGS surgery when I go in Jan '13 so I've been looking over menus (see the Dining section here) to see what is available in small portions that will work for me. It looks like there are a lot of choices from counter service that can be adapted as well as appetizers at the table service restaurants. Also, there are kids meals at CS that might work also. I've read that when you get a meal (regular, not kids meals) that includes fries, etc, you can tell them to leave it off and the price is adjusted accordingly. I'm going to try to keep notes when I go so I can pass the info along to others who are wondering.

 

[gometros]

At six months, we should both have a little more flexibility. My concern is that I've already met with my nutritionist and I know what I will be allowed is only protein and the consistency of well-mashed tuna fish or mashed potatoes. I love fish, so I'm not worried about the choice issue, just with what they cook it, I guess. Interestingly enough, we're staying at BLT this trip, so I decided to do something different and select restaurants in the monorail hotels; The Wave, Citricos and Kona (one park restaurant, Le Cellier). Obviously, I chose more for my family than me, but from what I've heard of the reputation of the hotel restaurants, I should not have much difficulty.

I will miss the Le Cellier pretzel bread sticks, however

 

[heather13]

I would love to hear your experience with this after your return. My mom is having surgery next week and we're traveling in about six months. We're both curious about family dining ADRs (I'm assuming there will be *something* there she can eat, or they'll specially create something) and whether we still pay full adult price even though she'll only be eating four ounces of food.

 

[gometros]

I would love to hear your experience with this after your return. My mom is having surgery next week and we're traveling in about six months. We're both curious about family dining ADRs (I'm assuming there will be *something* there she can eat, or they'll specially create something) and whether we still pay full adult price even though she'll only be eating four ounces of food.

Will do. I meet with the dietician Monday, so I'll have a better idea of what I will be allowed to eat. I also checked the menu to see what are the potential choices. I know I won't be able to have meat, which is fine. I do intend to call Disney Dining a week before to make sure they are aware of my needs.

 

[gometros]

I spoke with Disney Dining yesterday and they couldn't be more helpful. I spoke to a CM first and she entered my request into all my dining reservations. She then transferred me to a specialist, where we discussed my needs further, I was told that at each restaurant, the chef will come to our table to discuss our needs. She also emailed me a form to fill out and fax back with all my specific food requirements.

 

[udsweetpea]

I'm a server CM at WDW, and I can confirm that the chef will come to your table, and they all can pretty much make whatever you want.

 

[gometros]

I'm a server CM at WDW, and I can confirm that the chef will come to your table, and they all can pretty much make whatever you want.

Having just returned, I can confirm that as well. The chefs at The Wave, Le Cellier, Citricos and Kona were wonderful. As promised, they each came out to our table and I explained what my requirements were. I got the feeling that they actually enjoyed the challenge. Chef Tony from the Wave made me salmon and spinach that was as good as salmon as I've ever head. I kidded him and told him if I didn't know better, I would have sworn he cheated and used butter. What he did do, was use an orange slice and its natural juices to flavor the salmon. Chef Phillip of Citricos was able to modify an existing tofu dish for me and what amazed me was how much food I got even staying within the three ounce of protein and three ounce of vegetable restriction. I think I found a new favorite restaurant. All four chefs were truly concerned about my needs and the experience was great.

What really amazed me the most at The Wave was, that we never discussed cost. I figured I'd leave it up to the restaurant. When I received my check, they only charged me five dollars and change. I was shocked. I argued that I should at least pay for a child's portion. So, whenever people try to convince you that Disney is so expensive, send them to me and I'll straighten them out.

I have to admit, the hardest part of the whole experience is that I love bread. We don't eat it at meals at home, so when I eat out, it's a treat for me. Obviously that's a no no for me now, and the breads at the various restaurants were all wonderful and I had to watch my wife and daughter enjoy them, especially the pretzel bread at Le Cellier. I just had to keep reminding myself that there will come a time when I can indulge again

 

[heather13]

I'm a server CM at WDW, and I can confirm that the chef will come to your table, and they all can pretty much make whatever you want.

That's so fantastic to hear! I'm curious though (even though this post is a little old) whether there will be similar service at a buffet style restaurant? For instance Chef Mickey's or Tusker House? Or if we'll just have to go for what looks safe, like cottage cheese or chicken.

 

[gometros]

That's so fantastic to hear! I'm curious though (even though this post is a little old) whether there will be similar service at a buffet style restaurant? For instance Chef Mickey's or Tusker House? Or if we'll just have to go for what looks safe, like cottage cheese or chicken.

I can't answer that directly, but we've been avoiding buffets for that reason. The only two that are hard to part with are Chef Mickey's and Tusker House, although the latter probably has the better food choices, so I may try it again in the future. I do know there have been previous threads discussing buffets from a cost standpoint, somewhere along the lines of whether a bariatric patient should be charged full price or not.

 

[heather13]

The cost isn't as bothersome to us since I have a DD who eats as much as my mom who had RNY! Our buffets are character meals at Tusker House and Akershus and both at lunch time, so I'm hopeful she'll find things to eat. We've had really good luck at local restaurants with her being able to get a small amount of either fish or chicken, and then side veggie. At worst we can pack a lunch for her

Thanks for the info on your experience gometros! And good for you avoiding that pretzel bread! The surgery isn't for the faint of heart - it's a lot more challenging than any of us realized, but worth it in the end.

 

[yitbos96bb]

The cost isn't as bothersome to us since I have a DD who eats as much as my mom who had RNY! Our buffets are character meals at Tusker House and Akershus and both at lunch time, so I'm hopeful she'll find things to eat. We've had really good luck at local restaurants with her being able to get a small amount of either fish or chicken, and then side veggie. At worst we can pack a lunch for her

Thanks for the info on your experience gometros! And good for you avoiding that pretzel bread! The surgery isn't for the faint of heart - it's a lot more challenging than any of us realized, but worth it in the end.

Most resources on line show that as long as you have a Bariatric Surgery Card, you should be able to get a child's price at the buffets. If you google, there is a Disney Mom's panel question on it that should be easy to find.

 

[gometros]

The cost isn't as bothersome to us since I have a DD who eats as much as my mom who had RNY! Our buffets are character meals at Tusker House and Akershus and both at lunch time, so I'm hopeful she'll find things to eat. We've had really good luck at local restaurants with her being able to get a small amount of either fish or chicken, and then side veggie. At worst we can pack a lunch for her

Thanks for the info on your experience gometros! And good for you avoiding that pretzel bread! The surgery isn't for the faint of heart - it's a lot more challenging than any of us realized, but worth it in the end.

Somehow, I missed your response. I agree about the surgery being a serious decision, but I have to say that two and a half months later, why didn't I do this two years ago when I was having trouble with the band? I'm down 40 pounds and can really feel the difference.

I think the only buffet I miss and may go back to in the future, is Chef Mickey, since it was always a tradition for us. Tusker House is another, and I like it because the cuisine has naturally healthy choices. Otherwise, there aren't any buffets that I'll miss.