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Eating Out After Bariatric Surgery

Samantha Stavola MHA, RDN, LD Samantha Stavola MHA, RDN, LD

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A set dinner table | Eating Out After Bariatric Surgery Article by Celebrate Vitamins

This blog will help bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery patients to:

  • Acquire skills to make healthy food choices when dining out

  • Master how to eat smaller portions when dining out

  • Incorporate easy food substitutions

  • 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.

Overhead shot of people gathered around a round dinner table | Eating Out After Bariatric Surgery Article

How to Combat Large Portions

  • Consume a healthy snack before

  • Avoid appetizers

  • Stay away from salad bars/buffets

  • Choose the kid’s portion

  • Practice mindful eating

  • Eat slowly

  • Split meal with someone else

  • Box up half your meal before eating

A woman looking at a menu | Eating Out After Weight Loss Surgery | Celebrate Vitamins Article

Tips to Make Healthier Choices

  • Review the menu before arriving

  • Avoid fried options

  • Consume salad before the meal arrives

  • Ask for substitutions

  • Get all dressings/sauces on the side

  • Choose water over alcohol

  • Skip desserts

Plate of grilled chicken over vegetables | Eating Out After Gastric Sleeve | Celebrate Vitamins Article

Tips for Easy Substitutions

  • Get burger lettuce wrapped

  • Choose clear dressing over creamy dressing

  • Choose grilled protein sources

  • Ask for steamed vegetables without butter/oil

  • Remove some toppings (Ex. cheese, multiple sauces, bacon, croutons)

  • 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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