After bariatric surgery, going out to eat at restaurants or in a public setting can be nerve-wracking while still trying to maintain a healthy diet to lose weight, but fret no more! This bariatric dining-out guide will help you enjoy a meal with friends and family while staying focused on your weight loss goals.

Important: Always follow all post-op diet guidelines and adjust to your current phase.

Don’t forget to bring your special menu request card to order a kid’s meal or smaller portions when going to your favorite restaurant after bariatric surgery.

Bariatric Restaurant Card What to Eat at Your Favorite Restaurant After Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Edition Mexico Bariatric Center

How to Successfully Dine Out After Bariatric Surgery

A great way to stick to a nutritious diet is to meal prep and plan, but if you are in a time crunch and have to grab something quickly, many bariatric-friendly options are available. An alternative is to stop at a grocery store and pick up some deli meat, yogurt, or a protein shake.

If you plan on going to a sit-down dinner or ordering takeout, here are some tips to reduce the stress and keep you on track while dining out after bariatric surgery:

  1. View the menu beforehand:  Most menus are available online, and looking at them ahead of time can lessen the anxiety and pressure of ordering quickly.
  2. Be creative: If something you like on the menu isn’t bariatric-friendly, ask if you can substitute or take things out to make it fit your diet requirements.
  3. If possible, choose the place: Choosing a place to eat can help ensure you have good low-calorie food choices wherever you go.
  4. Look for specific foods: Focus on foods that are grilled, baked, sauteed, or boiled. Avoid fattening and high-calorie foods that are fried, battered, and breaded.
  5. Pick a high-protein appetizer: Fulfilling your daily protein requirements can help you avoid overeating and unnecessary carbs.
  6. Enjoy the company: Eat slowly and focus on the company to avoid overeating.
  7. Follow the 30-minute drinking rule: This can be tough for a bariatric patient to follow in social settings, but it can help you avoid feeling full quickly, allowing you to enjoy your food.

Best Bariatric-Friendly Choices

It can be challenging to find bariatric-friendly restaurants when sticking to a low-carb diet, so here are some ideas of what you can have when it comes to different cuisines.

Brunch Food

Brunch Food What to Eat at Your Favorite Restaurant After Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Edition Mexico Bariatric Center

  • Veggie omelet
  • Oatmeal with fruit
  • Turkey bacon
  • Greek yogurt parfaits
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Fruit cups
  • Poached eggs
  • Cottage cheese with fresh fruit

Fast Food

Fast Food What to Eat at Your Favorite Restaurant After Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Edition Mexico Bariatric Center

  • Burger with no bun
  • Lettuce wrapped burger
  • Grilled/baked chicken
  • Sandwich as salad
  • Patty with a salad
  • Beware of breaded products
  • No fries. Most places will offer a salad as an alternative

Complete Guide to Fast Food After Weight Loss Surgery

Steak/Seafood Place

Steak Seafood What to Eat at Your Favorite Restaurant After Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Edition Mexico Bariatric Center

  • Steak
  • Ribs without sauces
  • Burger without buns
  • Lettuce wraps
  • Salad with an oil-based dressing
  • Seafood without breading/batter

Mediterranean Food

Mediterranean Food What to Eat at Your Favorite Restaurant After Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Edition Mexico Bariatric Center

  • Kebabs with salad
  • Greek salad
  • Baba Ghanoush without pita
  • Gyro meat with salad
  • Grilled veggies with salad
  • Grilled chicken with salad
  • Grilled fish with salad
  • Grilled lamb with salad
  • Hummus and veggies
  • Chicken shawarma
  • Lentil soup

Thai Food

Thai Food What to Eat at Your Favorite Restaurant After Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Edition Mexico Bariatric Center

  • No rice or noodles
  • Coconut curries without rice
  • Tom Yum soup
  • Tam Kha soup
  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Stir Fry without sweetened sauces

Japanese Food

Japanese Food What to Eat at Your Favorite Restaurant After Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Edition Mexico Bariatric Center

  • Sashimi
  • Miso soup
  • Seaweed salad
  • Naruto rolls
  • Beware of sugary sauces
  • Ask for rolls without rice

Chinese Food

Chinese Food What to Eat at Your Favorite Restaurant After Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Edition Mexico Bariatric Center

  • Egg-drop soup
  • Hot and sour soup
  • Pork spare ribs without sauce
  • Roasted duck
  • Mixed vegetables with tofu
  • Chicken
  • Shrimp
  • Chicken and vegetable stirfry
  • Ask for sauces and dips on the side

Mexican Food

Mexican Food What to Eat at Your Favorite Restaurant After Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Edition Mexico Bariatric Center

  • Chicken, steak, or shrimp fajita mix on lettuce w/ guacamole or sliced avocado
  • Salad or bowls with meat, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and guacamole
  • Taco salad without the shell
  • Cerviche
  • Carne asada
  • Chile Verde
  • Black beans

Italian Food

Italian Food What to Eat at Your Favorite Restaurant After Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Edition Mexico Bariatric Center

  • Antipasto Salad
  • Caprese salad
  • Meat with marsala sauce
  • Steak
  • Seafood
  • Salad with grilled meat
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Grilled calamari
  • Roasted chicken or fish

Indian Food

Indian Food What to Eat at Your Favorite Restaurant After Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Edition Mexico Bariatric Center

  • Beans/legumes
  • Curry
  • Tandoori Chicken
  • Saag Paneer
  • Chicken vindaloo
  • Korma

 

What are some of your favorite bariatric-friendly restaurants?

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