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.

It's perfectly ok to just have a drink. Just say no food for me I'm not feeling great today

Oh you poor thing xx I have that too , flares sometimes.
I would check the menu and still go .
Maybe something like a ginger pudding ? Or a plain potato dish ?
I find I can almost always eat things like plain potato dish, salmon or a plain white fish dish and a veg like green beans or salmon. / white fish with rice .
If you can’t eat anything and everyone else is ordering something then I don’t think the restaurant staff will be too bothered .
you could maybe just have a drink like apple juice or a pot of tea

Order something that travels well and dont eat it just ask for it to be put in a doggy bag

If you think you might be feel embarrassed then when you get to the restaurant tell them you have awful toothache and cant eat, but will be ordering to then take away at the end of the meal

I was diagnosed with IBS many years ago,caused by bullying at work. Twelve years ago my then GP diagnosed diverticulitis, which a CT revealed 2 years ago I don't have!I now have a hiatus hernia, which needs management by diet.. I would add, I was nursing over 40 years. Codeine, yes, removes pain, but can cause constipation. Naltrexone is scripted only and for alcoholics.