Eating out after Bariatric Surgery, (sometimes referred to as Weight Loss Surgery) needs a little careful planning and thought. Food is an integral part of life and sharing special meals will always be something we should be able to enjoy without fear. The following tips will help you to plan ahead.

General…

• Most restaurant and pub meals will be higher in hidden fat, sugar and salt than the same dish prepared at home.

• Remember when you are eating out, that restaurant and take away meals will often be described on the menu. Read carefully, avoiding anything described as rich and creamy, fried in any way or with butter sauces. These are all high in calories, too fatty and will cause discomfort. Avoid puddings like meringues and anything with syrup/sticky toffee sauces, these and other sugary puddings are high in calories and may cause discomfort for Gastric Band patients and can lead to Dumping Syndrome in Gastric Bypass patients.

• It is quite acceptable to enquire about ingredients in menu items, do not be afraid to ask.

• Restaurant portions will almost always be larger than are suitable for Gastric Bypass and Gastric Band/Lap Gastric Band patients.

• Ask for children’s portions or share portions with a friend or dining partner.

• Use a starter dish as your main course, eg mixed seafood starter with salad.

• Do not be afraid to take part of your meal home rather than waste it. Doggy boxes/bags are the only restaurant habit from America that we could happily copy here.

• Avoid having fluid with your meal, if you really want a small glass of wine start it well before you eat and take only tiny sips while you are eating. Remember that alcohol will hamper your will power/self control when you check the menu!

• Do not have any fizzy drinks, sparkling water, sparkling wines, beers etc before or during meals as this will cause discomfort and can lead to long term problems for Gastric Bypass and Gastric Band patients.

• Remember to take tiny forkfuls, place cutlery down between mouthfuls’ and chew very carefully.

• Stop eating as soon as you begin to feel full.

Weight Loss Surgery patients or Bariatric patients can often really enjoy eating out and being part of the group. These occasions are about being together with friends and family and not just about the foods we are eating.

Remember these are general tips. At Vita Clinics your Specialist Bariatric Dietitian will be able to give you further, more personally tailored, information on specific restaurant styles and suitable dishes for your holiday abroad, travel etc.

If you would like further information on the above topic or would like to book a FREE consultation with a specialist nurse or dietician then call Vita Clinics on 0800 849 4050.

Related topics: What can you eat after bariatric surgery? – Expected weight loss after surgery