Eating Out After Weight Loss Surgery

Eating out at a restaurant is a treat for many people - a wonderful way to sit back, be served, enjoy the company you’re with, and - if you’re lucky - enjoy some amazing food. Restaurant eating can be great but if you are someone who is watching their weight or, more challenging, trying to lose weight, eating out can be very tricky. Portions are larger than you would make at home and meals often come with a host of ingredients you would never imagine being included in the menu item you choose. You may think you’re making the healthiest choice but if you’re not in control of what’s going into the dish, it can be very easy to be led astray.

Even more challenging is eating out after you’ve undergone weight loss surgery. In the early stages of post-surgery eating you’re likely confined to an all or mostly liquid diet as your body recovers. But as you add in more solid foods and begin to return to a normal life, you are presented with more and more opportunities to make choices regarding what you eat. Weight loss surgery limits the amount of food that you can eat comfortably at one time but it doesn’t make the food choices for you. And presented with some of your favorites in a restaurant setting, you may struggle with choosing wisely.

Here are some things to keep in mind when eating out following weight loss surgery:

You don’t have to eat everything. The meal you order will likely be much larger than you’ll be able to - or should - eat. Make a decision to split a meal with someone else you’re dining with or only eat a small amount and take the rest home. Another option is to order an appetizer or small side dish as a main entree as they are typically much smaller plates.

Eat slowly. Chew well, savor your food, and give your body time to take in what you’re eating. Be present in your eating just as you would at home.

Don’t make any new choices. Weight loss surgery will change the foods that you are able to comfortably handle and it can be trial and error to find out what works best for you. Don’t make any new choices at a restaurant - stick with what you know you can eat with pleasure and comfort.

Order clean. Look for menu items that are prepared without butter or oil, that are grilled or steamed rather than fried, and that are low in fat. Ask for dressings and sauces on the side so that you can be in charge of adding flavor in the way that makes sense for you.

Restaurant eating is a pleasure that shouldn’t be avoided altogether following weight loss surgery. Make your choices wisely and with care to what you can handle and you can still enjoy meals out along the way.

About AuthorOne of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, nurses and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Revisions.