Gastric bypass and eating in the parks?

[sherry7]

Hello all.

First let me give a brief explanation of my situation. I had gastric bypass surgery earlier this year. As such, I eat very little...maybe a saucer full of food most of the time. But, what I do eat needs to be high in protein, so I very seldom eat bread, pasta, potatoes, etc. Also, I don't eat most raw vegetables (ex. carrot sticks), because of digestibility issues. I have to be careful with fruit...sometimes it sends me running for the nearest bathroom. I can eat salads, but of course, I don't want to eat them for several days straight, lol.

We'll be eating breakfast in the condo, and most dinners off site. But, all of our lunches will definitely be in the parks. We're not planning on eating any TS meals, but planning on CS instead. (No dining plan, BTW.)

Most of you will probably think....why doesn't she just share with a family member? Well, I thought of that too, and it's really not feasible. DS eats like a typical starving teenager, and will definitely want ALL of his meal. DH is a big eater too, and won't want to share. (Of course, they're both skinny...go figure!)

So, my question is....what CS restaurants in the parks are going to offer the healthiest choices for me? A kid's meal would be the perfect size for me, but after looking over some of the menus, most of them seem to be either fried, or mostly carbs.

Oh, and I will be carrying a couple of suitable snacks for myself, just in case.

What are your suggestions on CS restaurants? I appreciate the advice.

 

[WhateverLolaWants]

I think it might be difficult for you to get variety. Lots of salads at CS for sure, but I know you can't survive on that all week without wanting to scream. I was checking out a couple of menus for you on allearsnet, and the only other healthy choices are sandwiches and I'm not sure how much is too much carbs for you.

Anyways, a few recommendations of healthier (not fried options) - Columbia Harbor House in MK, Sunshine Seasons in Epcot, Studio Catering Company in DHS.

 

[tiggr33]

Although different then your situation, I am a hypoglycemic who tries to follow a low carb high protein diet. And it can be done at CS locations, with a little thought and planning. Most CS offer carrot sticks or apples as an alternative option for french fries. A burger or chicken sandwich can be taken off the bun and eaten with a knife and fork. Most burgers/sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato (or a fixings bar is available) so it can be more of a meal.

As far as suggestions: Sunshine Seasons in Epcot has great variety; A turkey Leg from the cart in MK (large enought to share); Columbia Harbour House in MK; Flame Tree Barbecue in AK

I suggest looking over some menus, and making a cheat sheet of sorts to carry with you. I always carry beef jerky with me to ensure I have a protein just in case. But I agree carrying your own "safe" snacks is a great idea.

 

[sherry7]

I think it might be difficult for you to get variety. Lots of salads at CS for sure, but I know you can't survive on that all week without wanting to scream. I was checking out a couple of menus for you on allearsnet, and the only other healthy choices are sandwiches and I'm not sure how much is too much carbs for you.

Anyways, a few recommendations of healthier (not fried options) - Columbia Harbor House in MK, Sunshine Seasons in Epcot, Studio Catering Company in DHS.

Thanks for the advice on the restaurants...I will check out the menu's for those 3.

Sandwiches are doable...to an extent. For example, I can eat the grilled chicken sandwiches at local fast food places, but I skip the mayo and throw away the bun.

I wish there were more healthier kids meals. I hate the thoughts of paying for an adult meal, and throwing 3/4 of it out. I suppose that's the cheapness in me showing itself, lol.

 

[sherry7]

Although different then your situation, I am a hypoglycemic who tries to follow a low carb high protein diet. And it can be done at CS locations, with a little thought and planning. Most CS offer carrot sticks or apples as an alternative option for french fries. A burger or chicken sandwich can be taken off the bun and eaten with a knife and fork. Most burgers/sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato (or a fixings bar is available) so it can be more of a meal.

As far as suggestions: Sunshine Seasons in Epcot has great variety; A turkey Leg from the cart in MK (large enought to share); Columbia Harbour House in MK; Flame Tree Barbecue in AK

I suggest looking over some menus, and making a cheat sheet of sorts to carry with you. I always carry beef jerky with me to ensure I have a protein just in case. But I agree carrying your own "safe" snacks is a great idea.

Thanks Stacey.

I forgot about the turkey legs...surely I could steal a few bites from DH, and he'd never miss it.

The cheat sheet is an excellent idea. I plan on carrying some beef jerky, dry roasted edamame, or almonds with me...in case I get desperate.

 

[phlufster]

Some places offer grilled chicken in the kids meals that might work for you. Most places are really accomidating if you just ask nicely.

 

[tigger_03]

I believe that most places will allow you to order a child's meal (at TS) if you've had gastric bypass surgery (I read that somewhere and now can't remember where I read it). I'm sure the CS places would be accomdating as well.

We carry snacks with us as well due to DS' allergy and foods he has to avoid. It also involves having to bring a special drink for him. We had to bring a case of the drink with us (not available everywhere and expensive as heck).

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you go to a table service restaurant there will be no problem in eating from the children's menu if you want to. As a general rule if you go to a buffet and ask to talk to the manager and show your card you will be able to pay the child price for the meal. This is not an official policy, but does seem to be followed.

You might also want to go over to the disABILITIES Forum, where that has been an occasional subject of discussion.

 

[allyphoe]

DS eats like a typical starving teenager, and will definitely want ALL of his meal. DH is a big eater too, and won't want to share.
I hate the thoughts of paying for an adult meal, and throwing 3/4 of it out.

Three lighter meals, most of which the two of them will eat? Or two extra-heavy meals, most of which the two of them will eat? There has to be some happy medium that's the equivalent of 2.25 servings. Particularly since the kid's meal sides may be a problem for you in terms of digestibility, so would either go to waste or be eaten by your DH or DS.

I was doing high-protein, low-carb the last time we went. IIRC, AK was really the hardest - the salads at Flame Tree were all pre-dressed (and drowning in dressing), and I just wasn't a fan of the one at the Yak & Yeti. But a plate of ribs, a half chicken, and a side or two of fries should be plenty for 3, without shorting the big eaters or wasting food.

At DHS, if you can handle the fat, I really liked the grilled turkey & cheese at Backlot Express (our review: best food, absolute worst service - I've never seen lines move so slow). Half a one (including the bread) filled me up; just the turkey, cheese, and peppers would have made a fine meal. Order with no sides, and save a dollar or so.

At Epcot, Sunshine Seasons IMHO has the best variety of "big chunk of protein." You can also get a little container with 2 hard-boiled eggs in it, and a bunch of other side-dish type things, either for yourself or to make up for the bits you snitch.

At MK, I vote Cosmic Ray's. Half chicken + ribs combo is going to be more than most big eaters want for themselves. Your share won't be missed.