Dining out with an ostomy can be a bit challenging, especially when faced with large portions and foods that might not sit well with your digestive system. Here are some tips and insights to help make dining out more enjoyable and less stressful:

- Portion-size solutions:
1. Ask for a children’s, senior, or “small appetite” menu.
2. Consider ordering starters, sides, or just dessert.
3. Share plates with others or go “Dutch” to only pay for and eat what you want.
4. Request a to-go box at the start of your meal and immediately split the meal, taking half or more home.
5. Eat a small amount at home first, then have a light dish when dining out.

- Menu and restaurant strategies:
1. Check menus online beforehand to ensure there are safe food options available.
2. Choose restaurants with a variety of offerings like vegetables, mashed potatoes, and pasta.
3. If grilled foods cause issues, ask for items to be baked, boiled, or sautéed.
4. At fine dining establishments, explain your dietary needs; chefs can often prepare a custom plate. Carrying a small card with your dietary restrictions can be helpful.
5. Don’t hesitate to suggest restaurants that suit your dietary needs when dining with friends.

- “Safe” meal ideas shared by others:
1. Grilled cheese with tomato or chicken noodle soup (kids’ portion, crusts removed if desired).
2. Baked potato without skin, plain hamburger, mashed potatoes, pasta, or mild grilled vegetables (if tolerated).
3. Bean-and-cheese burrito, Caesar salad, grapes, strawberries, broccoli, chicken pot pie, chocolate satin pie (well-tolerated by some).
4. Wonton soup for those who cannot handle typical Chinese dishes.

- Digestion and blockage tips:
1. Chew thoroughly and eat slowly; large pieces can pass through undigested, which is fine if there’s no discomfort.
2. Early post-surgery, avoid tough grilled meats or high-fiber foods until healing is complete.
3. Everyone’s tolerance is different; keep track of personal trigger foods and adjust accordingly.

- General coping suggestions:
1. Practice portion control: stop eating when comfortably full and take the rest home.
2. Carry anti-gas or digestive aids if recommended by your healthcare provider.
3. A small alcoholic drink can sometimes stimulate appetite, but only if medically allowed.
4. Focus on the social interaction and company rather than the food itself.

- Mentioned brands/products & medications:
1. Remicade, referenced in relation to grilled-food intolerance.
2. Carnation Breakfast Essentials, mentioned as a hospital survival food.
3. Marie Callender’s, a restaurant chain where one member dines.