Eating Out After Bariatric Surgery
Samantha Stavola MHA, RDN, LD
Lifestyle
June 28th, 2023
This blog will help bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery patients to:
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Acquire skills to make healthy food choices when dining out
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Master how to eat smaller portions when dining out
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Incorporate easy food substitutions
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Learn healthier options for common menu items
Why do we eat out? We typically eat out for several reasons. These can include celebrations, sporting events, special occasions, work meetings, or because it is easy/fast and does not require clean up. Food portions have doubled or tripled over the last 20 years. Most servings are now large enough for at least two meals. There are also higher amounts of calories and sodium due to larger portions.
How to Combat Large Portions
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Consume a healthy snack before
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Avoid appetizers
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Stay away from salad bars/buffets
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Choose the kid’s portion
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Practice mindful eating
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Eat slowly
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Split meal with someone else
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Box up half your meal before eating
Tips to Make Healthier Choices
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Review the menu before arriving
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Avoid fried options
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Consume salad before the meal arrives
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Ask for substitutions
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Get all dressings/sauces on the side
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Choose water over alcohol
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Skip desserts
Tips for Easy Substitutions
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Get burger lettuce wrapped
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Choose clear dressing over creamy dressing
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Choose grilled protein sources
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Ask for steamed vegetables without butter/oil
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Remove some toppings (Ex. cheese, multiple sauces, bacon, croutons)
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Choose whole wheat bread over white
Common restaurants' cuisines and easy replacements:
You may feel there aren't any bariatric friendly restaurants. However, with a few smart choices, you can turn almost any menu into something healthy and enjoyable. Here are some different types of restaurants and easy replacements you can make to maintain healthy eating habits and enjoy bariatric friendly meals.
American
Choose This | Instead of |
---|---|
Broth Based Soup | Cream Based Soup |
Blackened Chicken | Fried Chicken |
Wings with Dry Rub | Wings with Sauce |
Fruit or Vegetables Side | French Fries |
Mexican
Choose This | Instead of |
---|---|
Chicken Taco | Beef Taco |
Soft Taco Shell | Hard Taco Shell |
Fajitas | Quesadilla |
Enchiladas | Chimichanga |
Salsa | Refried Beans |
Chinese
Choose This | Instead of |
---|---|
Egg Drop Soup | Wonton Soup |
Edamame | Fried Wonton |
Steamed/Boiled Entree | Stir Fried Entree |
Steamed Rice | Fried Rice |
Italian
Choose This | Instead of |
---|---|
Eggplant Primavera | Casserole Type Dish |
Chicken Marsala | Pasta with Cream Sauce |
Piccata Dishes | Scallopini or Parmigiana Dishes |
Steakhouse
Choose This | Instead of |
---|---|
Filet Mignon | Ribeye |
House Green Salad | Caesar Salad |
Sweet Potato | Loaded Baked Potato |
Steamed Vegetables | Au Gratin Potatoes |
Fast Food
Choose This | Instead of |
---|---|
Grilled Chicken Sandwich | Cheeseburger |
Fruit or Side Salad | French Fries |
Kid's Meal | Value Meal |
Water | Soda |
In Conclusion
Nutrient dense food choices can be made while eating out after gastric sleeve and other weight loss surgeries. Bariatric patients can avoid large portions by sharing, taking some home, or ordering a kid’s meal. You can also make easy modifications by ordering your burger on lettuce in place of the bun, ordering salad dressing on the side, or having toppings removed from many dishes.
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