Food forms a big part of our lives. So, it’s no surprise that social eating can feel tricky for bariatric patients after the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, SIPS surgery or the lap band. We often find that many patients become anxious when they are faced with the prospect of eating out after bariatric surgery. What if we told you that you don’t have to say “no” to eating out because of your weight loss surgery? The truth is that you can still live your life to the fullest and enjoy social eating after bariatric surgery. In fact, it’s easier than you think.

Your quick guide to eating out after bariatric surgery

• Do your research: Most restaurants have their menus online, either on their website, social media or on food review websites like Zomato. Review their menu before you go there to eat. See the kinds of food they serve. Are there healthy options? Look closely for highly nutritious foods that are bariatric friendly, and if you can, make a note of what you’d like to order when you get there.
• Carry your Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) card: We recommend carrying your bariatric surgery card (or weight loss surgery card) with you at all times. After your bariatric surgery with Dr Padovan, you should receive a small card that informs restaurants and other eateries that you’ve had a weight loss procedure like the gastric sleeve, which has minimised your stomach capacity. The card will also contain information stating that you need to order smaller portion meals than the usual servings. A number of restaurants and eateries offer discounts for bariatric patients and are more than happy to accommodate your eating needs and requirements.

If you feel a little nervous about giving the waiter or restaurant employee your weight loss card, you can do it discreetly. If you have questions about the menu, don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations on healthier choices.

• Understand your eating options: Have you noticed that after bariatric surgery, average sized restaurant portions can last three you three meals? That’s why it’s important to understand your eating options when you decide you eat out.

Firstly, you don’t have to choose a meal from the mains section of the menu. You can go for a healthy entrée. It’s cheaper and just as delicious as everything else on the menu.

Sharing is caring! Don’t be afraid to share your food with a friend. Doing this stops you from over eating and going through the discomfort of dumping syndrome. If you can choose where to have a meal, why not have tapas instead? Everyone will be so busy sharing the food that they won’t notice if your serving size is small.

• Choose the right foods: It can be tempting to get carried away when you eat socially. Choose the right kinds of food when you go out to eat. Focus on your lean proteins such as fish, chicken or tofu to meet your daily nutritional intake. This is very important for patients who have had the gastric sleeve.

Avoid empty calories such as alcoholic drinks and soft drinks. They provide little-to-no nourishment and are high in sugar, fat and calories. When it comes to unhealthy sides like fried chips, order steamed vegetables or salads instead. These are usually cheaper and are more nutritious.

Keep in mind that when you order a salad, ask for your dressing to be served separately on the side. Dressings are quite high in calories, so you can easily control the amount you consume.

If you’re in the pureed, soft food phase, or liquid phase of your diet, stick to the foods you’re allowed to eat. Remember, your stomach is healing. If you’ve tried something at home that doesn’t agree with your body, e.g. steak, it’s best to avoid it when eating out.

• Don’t be shy to ask for a takeaway plate: Make takeaway plates your best friend. Eating out shouldn’t be a game of “how much can I eat in a serving?” Put down your utensils when you start to feel full and ask the server for a takeaway plate. If you’re anxious about doing this, put a takeaway plate in your bag before you go out to eat, and put the food in the plate. You can eat the food later, pack it for lunch, or save it for a rainy day. You’ll save yourself some money and can enjoy the meal a few times over. You have the upper hand when it comes to food, make the most of it!
• Eating at a party is no different from eating at a restaurant: When you arrive at the party, quickly scan the food table before you put food on your plate. Fill up on your protein and vegetables, and don’t hover near the food table. This will make you eat more. Socialise with people and keep track of your satiety signals. Don’t drink your calories either.
• Eat slowly: Eating is not a race and shouldn’t be one. Take your time eating. Chew your food carefully before you swallow it and try not to be anxious about what people might say about your eating. If someone at your table tries to encourage you to eat more, say, “No thank you, I’m full”, and leave it at that.

Remember, you’re socialising with your friends and loved ones, not competing with them on who can eat the most food quickly. Enjoy your time and make the most of your eating out experience after bariatric surgery.

Do you need some more tips on eating after bariatric surgery? Don’t hesitate to contact us at 9544 5200 to book your appointment with Dr Padovan and our friendly team of dieticians. We are always ready to help you with your bariatric journey.