Gastric bypass and eating in the parks?

[sherry7]

Hello all. I posted this same question on the Restaurant board a few weeks ago, but didn't get much of a response. It was suggested that I post it here.

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, rice, potatoes, etc. Also, I don't eat most raw vegetables (ex. carrot sticks), because of digestibility issues. I have to be very careful with fruit...sometimes it sends me running for the nearest bathroom. I don't eat sugary things either, as it gives me stomach cramps. I can no longer drink milk (developed lactose intolerance after the surgery), but I can eat cheese. 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.

I have started looking over the online menus, but frankly, I'm overwhelmed. So, if I could narrow it down somewhat, that task would be a lot less overwhelming.

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.

 

[Chuck S]

While most CS menus will "package" a burger with fries, you can order a burger separately, and just not eat the bun.

I would suggest the clam chowder at Harbor House (MK), but you say you are lactose intolerant Does that apply to "cooked" milk products, too, or does heating break down the lactose? Although the chowder is also starchy.

Most counter service is going to involve a sandwich or fried food of some type, whether it be a kids meal or adult entree.

The patisserie in France at EPCOT may provide some good options, like a quiche...though there will likely be some milk in the quiche.

 

[Angibaby]

Oh goodness what a difficult position. So many CS meals are exactly what you cant have! I hope at least the surgery was as successful as you wanted it to be! Good for you for actually "stick to it" also. I know (just from being a nurse) so many people who still try to shove the "crap" food that they enjoy into that smaller stomach and they dont fare too well. Keep up the good work!

I would definately look into doing "ala carte" if at all possible and not ordering a "meal deal" cause we ALL know it is only a "deal" if you were going to have it all to begin with. Mind you I have never been to Disney so I cant tell you WHERE to go exactly but I know I saw plenty of grilled chicken sandwiches and lunch meat sandwiches at various places in the restaurant board reviews that all look good. You could order them and remove the bread or even ask that they dont even give the bread to you. (resist temptation!!! )and maybe they would POSSIBLY give you a slightly lower price I had a friend that had a Gastric Bypass and she had a card that showed different restaurants that she should be allowed to order from the kids menu whenever possible because of her only being able to eat small quantities so people didnt give her a hard time when she went places. Did your surgeons office give you one of these? If so I would bring it to give you a little leverage, cant hurt if you are polite right? the worse that they can say is no.

Lets say the only option at a place your family wanted to eat was deep fried you could pull the breading off the item. It is a pain but it would be a little better for you than eating the breading. I know I did see some CS places that served a roasted chicken with sides. Maybe your guys could eat your sides since they seem to pack in the food they will stay fuller, longer.

Since you are eating dinner offsite are you going to have a car? Could you pack a small cooler for yourself with acceptable items? It isnt as fun but at least a "just in case". Snacks wont get you through a whole day with all that walking especially.

Good luck with finding things suitable.

 

[mechurchlady]

I have celiac so I am used to getting around the no bread problem. All counter and table service restaurants will prepare you a special meal. You can order a burger alone or with some sauces and cheese for example. With the proper paperwork you can get adult meals at kids prices but if you want in smaller portions, does not apply to dining plan though.

You do present a tough diet to meet but let me throw some suggestions.

Burgers, hot dogs and grilled chicken sandwiches with no bun. Add assorted toppings, I love grilled onions and mushrooms on mine. Tuna and chicken salads can be served without the bread on a bit of lettuce.

There is chili and soups available at various restaurants. There are nut carts and spots that sell carrot sticks. Turkey legs are available in MK and DHS last I heard. Pinocchio Village Haus has my SID bad day comfort food the cheesesteak. Chakrandi Chicken Shop has stir fry chicken with rice. Flame Tree Barbecue has ribs and you could ask for a small portion.

I got lots more suggestions. I promise that if you work with WDW staff you will be able to have a great time and get to try lots of wonderful foods. Often the staff will go way out of their way to accomodate guests. Don't worry about your eating small amounts of food or wasting. Talk to staff and they can make you a smaler plate. Dont forget that letter from the doctor stating you have had bariatric surgery, the info is found in FAQs.

Have fun and don't worry, be happy.
Hugs
Laurie

Tony's Town Square
Calamari - Tossed with olive relish, and served with side of marinara sauce. - $9.49
Flavors of Italy Antipasto - A selection of Italian Favorites featuing Olives, Sliced Deli Meats, Roasted Garlic, and Artichokes - $13.99
Eggplant Catasta (stack) - Layers of eggplant, fresh mozzarella, and parmesan with marinara sauce. - $12.99
Shrimp Scampi - Linguini with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Asparagus tossed in a Garlic Sauce - $16.99 (easy on the sauce and no linguini, please)

 

[Barbday62]

Congratulations on the surgery. Im 9 1/2 years Post op Gastric Bypass myself. I went to WDW the first time 6 months after surgery. I did share most meals with my husband back then and as his reward for sharing he had room to eat Dessert lol. Today I can eat more than I did back then. Im probably close to a child size portion but prefer adult type foods. When I vacation I am learning its ok to leave food on the plate. When at home I get a doggie bag but on vacation thats a pain. Sometimes I get a to go and carry it for an hour or so then end up throwing away anyway.

I cant remember specific places I have eaten over the years because we eat about anywhere when I go to WDW. Im sure you will find not breaded chicken in many places, salads, cooked veggies. I think having Gastic bypass is more about learning to make peace with the food around you than keeping to the rules every second of every day when on vacation.

Good luck and above all have fun!!

 

[CU82]

There were several places in each park that served LARGE sandwiches which were lean deli meat (think boiled ham or turkey) with lettuce, tomato, and sometimes pickle on top. The bread could be easily removed for a very protein rich meal.

Good luck and Congratulations on making such major life changes. (I too am "metaboliclly chanllenged" and married to a very thin man-I feel your pain!)

 

[dr28326]

I had the surgery a year ago. I will try the salads. Many people said that the carts carry fruit. I will definately take my protein bars and some nuts with me into the park. I will probably eat the kids meals (taking our granddaughter) and she can eat the adult meal.

 

[prncess674]

Animal Kingdom - Flame Tree BBQ

Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich - sliced turkey breast served on a multi-grain bun with cole slaw $7.49 (skip the bun)

Mixed Green Salad with Barbecue Chicken -- crisp greens and tomato with balsamic vinaigrette dressing in a toasted garlic shell $7.49; without chicken $5.19 (skip the shell)

Hollywood Studios - Studio Catering Company

Kids Chicken Drumstick $4.49 - comes with two sides. Just order applesauce. Discard skin on drumstick.

EPCOT - Liberty Inn

Chilled Chicken over Romaine Lettuce $4.49

Magic Kingdom - Pecos Bill

Chicken Salad - freshly tossed seasoned chicken, jicama, lettuce, vegetables and cheese in a lime vinaigrette $7.19; served without grilled chicken $5.19

Magic Kingdom - Pinnocchio Village Haus

Turkey and Cheese Roll-up $4.49

---------------

Also throw a few protein bars in your bag. I also put a string cheese in my bag for a mid morning snack. The BabyBell cheeses travel well too!

 

[dr28326]

What do you do if you can't eat Chicken? I have gotten sick each time I have tried Chicken since my surgery over a year ago. Don't know why...I can eat steak but not chicken.

 

[arminnie]

What do you do if you can't eat Chicken? I have gotten sick each time I have tried Chicken since my surgery over a year ago. Don't know why...I can eat steak but not chicken.

I've had 2 surgeries on my esophagus, and I too have a problem with chicken. Especially white meat - it is too dry I think.

If I do not chew it up a LOT (like overkill) it can get stuck in my esophagus and be very painful.

 

[prncess674]

What do you do if you can't eat Chicken? I have gotten sick each time I have tried Chicken since my surgery over a year ago. Don't know why...I can eat steak but not chicken.

You won't find much steak at counter service unless you prefer hamburger. I would start experimenting with protein bars and other portable high protein snacks. What do you eat in your home city that is counter service/ quick dining?

Other than steak and cheese what other proteins do you eat?

 

[sherry7]

What do you do if you can't eat Chicken? I have gotten sick each time I have tried Chicken since my surgery over a year ago. Don't know why...I can eat steak but not chicken.

It's probably because the chicken is "stringy". I occasionally have problems with chicken...it all depends on how it's cooked, and how well I chew it.

 

[sherry7]

Animal Kingdom - Flame Tree BBQ

Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich - sliced turkey breast served on a multi-grain bun with cole slaw $7.49 (skip the bun)

Mixed Green Salad with Barbecue Chicken -- crisp greens and tomato with balsamic vinaigrette dressing in a toasted garlic shell $7.49; without chicken $5.19 (skip the shell)

Hollywood Studios - Studio Catering Company

Kids Chicken Drumstick $4.49 - comes with two sides. Just order applesauce. Discard skin on drumstick.

EPCOT - Liberty Inn

Chilled Chicken over Romaine Lettuce $4.49

Magic Kingdom - Pecos Bill

Chicken Salad - freshly tossed seasoned chicken, jicama, lettuce, vegetables and cheese in a lime vinaigrette $7.19; served without grilled chicken $5.19

Magic Kingdom - Pinnocchio Village Haus

Turkey and Cheese Roll-up $4.49

---------------

Also throw a few protein bars in your bag. I also put a string cheese in my bag for a mid morning snack. The BabyBell cheeses travel well too!

Great suggestions!

 

[Spacie08]

Sherry-
I am a WDW castmember so maybe I can help, first at Epcot you will have lots of choices for diffrent foods so that park shouldn't be too hard to navigate. In the MK Cosmic rays has many diff things to order and the cast will accomidate anything you need with in reason. The cast will not ask you to justify ordering a kids meal (its Disney) so dont worry about that. Also dont forget the resorts they have their own food service areas so if you cant find what you need at the park try the resorts. (esp. the resorts in the MK loop). At AK you will find more limited CS restruants they are few and far between I would say pack a good lunch. The studios has the Commisary which offers a few extras but not many you may also want to try the pizza restarunt by the Muppets it also offers a few diff choices. However remember you are at Disney and it is our job to go above and beyond what you ask for so stop by guest realtions and ask the cast they will be more than happy to assit you in anything you need. Have a Magical time.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Sherry - I'm almost 11 months out. We went to Disney in August. I'm trying to remember what I ordered.

Epcot - We went to Marrakesh and I ate the Chicken Kebobs. I think I ate one and someone else ate the second. I even tried the couscous - not a lot - probably just a small fork full. You could also eat in Mexico. Mexican food settles quite well with RNY.

Hollywood Studios - We ate at 50s prime time. I had the child's meatloaf with mashed potatoes and a salad. Didn't eat all the potatoes but since I really limit myself on carbs at home I felt I could treat myself. They didn't question when I ordered from the children's menu.

Animal Kingdom - We did the flame tree character breakfast. Ate a very small breakfast. Spent way more then I could eat. I wouldn't do this again just because I'm cheap. I can't remember where we ate lunch. It might have been a salad that day.

MK - We went to Columbia House and I had vegetarian chili. This was quite good even though it was about 110 outside!

Bring protein bars, string cheese or small packets of nuts. And drink LOTS of water. Try to stay as hydrated as possible (not sure when you are going).
Have a blast!
And with all the walking I ended up finally breaking a 3 week stall - I lost 9 pounds in one week!!! And then stalled again for another two weeks. This surgery sure is a strange one!!

 

[DannysMom]

Like another poster has said, many folks get a card from their doctor saying that they have had gastric bypass surgery, and with said card they have reported that when eating at buffet restaraunts (of which there are a great many choices at Disney) they show the card and are charged the child's price.

This may be a good option for you, so the big eaters in your family can get their fill, while being charged normal adult price, and generally the buffets have enough variety that you should be able to get some lean proteins and vegetable choices that suit your palate & needs, while being charged the childs' price to reflect your smaller portion size.

In terms of counter service, definitely don't be shy about ordering either kid's meals (if they suit you) or menu items a la carte.

 

[SandJ77449]

Most counter service meals have healthy options. Everything is made to order, so if you don't want sauce or cheese... all you have to do is tell them.
Don't worry about it too much, trust me you will always find something at every place.
The only thing do you have to worry about is eating too late. There is a CS right near the Haunted Mansion that closes way early... we always forget that.
Have fun!
Jen

 

[lovemred]

Has some nice healthy choices: salmon, roasted chicken, etc.

 

[sherry7]

Great suggestions everyone. I really appreciate the advice.

 

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Does this work the same for Lap Band patients? Can they present a card from their doctor and be charged as a child's meal at buffets?