Can I go to a restaurant and not order anything?

[BabyDoge]

Seven of us are due to go out for lunch today to celebrate my grandma's 90th birthday. Typically my IBS is horrendous this morning, I've barely been off the toilet. I would still like to go to the celebration but I know if I eat whilst I'm there I'll start the whole thing off again.

Given that there'll be six other people ordering food do you think they'd be okay with me not ordering anything? Or is that still a no-no? It's a gastro-pub type place, if that makes any difference.

Just order a starter and a drink?

I think it’ll be fine as you’re with a group, yes. It’s not like you’re sitting at a table by yourself.
i hope you feel better soon.

I doubt they'll throw you out, but if you feel embarrassed order a starter as a main and give it to someone else to eat.

Order a soup or something even if you don’t eat much. It’s a bit miserable to sit there with an empty place setting in front of you.

Hope you feel better soon OP.

I can do that if I have to, but because it's a Sunday the lunch menu is more comprehensive things like garlic mushrooms and baked cheese, rather than nice sandwich and chips.

How does that help with ibs?

yes OP you’ll be fine. Just tell them you can’t eat right now for medical reasons.

It would be awkward to sit there with nothing. I would at least order a sandwich or a lighter option but in all honestly I would probably opt out incase it’s not an ibs flare up.

Oh how rubbish for you op.
Would there be nothing on the menu that won’t trigger another incident?
If not I’d just order the cheapest thing on the menu and not eat it, I think I’d be way too embarrassed to sit there but not order anything! Someone else will probably have a go at it if you go down this route. They would in any of my social groups anyway.

You need to at least have a drink but in a group where all the others are eating I think it is fine.

On a table alone it would be a no.

Do you know, it didn't even occur to me to order a starter and then give it to someone else. I think cos if I'm paying for it I at least want to eat it 😅

I did think this, but the rest of the family are fine and I've had IBS long enough that this feels like it.
Unfortunately no sandwiches because it's a Sunday lunch menu, roasts and the like.

I'd order a mineral water.

Will your family draw attention to you not eating much or will they understand? My family would all try to persuade me to eat more which would draw attention to me and that would put me off going more than anything else.

If the waiting staff say anything and you don't feel like explaining I would blame a hangover.

Would soup be ok for your IBS? I have stomach issues too, so I understand your position. Oh and happy 90th to your grandma!

I think if 6 other people are paying customers it's fine to say to the waiter 'just a drink for me, I'm not feeling brilliant"

I know this sounds odd @BabyDoge but ive recently discovered thatnif I eat a small amount of fresh blueberries it settles my stomach after an IBS attack (takes that after weak sensation) might be worth a try for you too.

Sorry if I went off topic but figured it might be worth suggesting.

Thank you everyone. I guess I might just have to order something and pick it at/give it to someone else at the table.

I'm just very fed up, my poor kids are having the most boring 6 weeks because some days I don't dare leave the house. GP's done bloods, I'm deficient in potassium, Vitamin D, folate and ferritin so I just feel awful. I'd planned it so I don't have to go out tomorrow so I could enjoy my lunch today, but looks like I can't even do that.

Thanks again.

Pub soup is probably full of garlic and onion unfortunately.

Oh we do have blueberries thank you, I'll try that. We have some very firm bananas so I was going to have one of those as well.

Yes, you’re probably right actually.

I think it's absolutely fine for you not to eat.
Hope you feel better soon

My family are quite understanding so that should be okay. I know they'd prefer I came and didn't eat rather than cancelled.

Yes it fine not eat. Get well soon.
Is there anything that you can safely eat such as rice or plain roll? In which case ask for that or some plain veg.

I love then idea of blaming a hangover!!

I'd phone them up and ask but if it's a medical issue I doubt they'd have an issue as it's a big group. Also means they can put you on a table for 6 and not one for 8, might be a win for them.

Can you just order a drink and a just a side maybe (was thinking maybe a bowl of fries or bread & butter as would be bland and maybe your stomach would handle it? Or does carbs set it off?) . Otherwise I think ordering a drink would be fine.

You are the customer, OP !
Stand firm , say you’re not able to eat but would love a (drink of choice).
Stomach issues here too, I’ve done this quite a few times and nobody bats an eyelid.
Hope you all have a wonderful time !