The Ins and Outs of Dining Out After Weight Loss Surgery

May 6, 2024

Your life has changed in many ways since surgery. It is a very exciting time to navigate your new you and life in a healthier way. It is a time when we embrace good habits and pave the way for a wonderful, long future. Many patients want to feel the normalcy they had before surgery. One common thing everyone wants to get back to is being social and enjoying good company. This is highly encouraged! Dining out and sharing time over a meal to celebrate happy occasions and holidays is exactly what you should be doing.

I know it may be stressful picturing how you will actually be able to go to a restaurant, order a meal, eat the meal, and tolerate it.  This is a very normal feeling. You have spent the last many weeks, even before surgery, prepping your body, consuming clear liquids, slowly advancing your diet. This has all been under your control. To give that control up to a stranger who does not know what you have just been through can be a very difficult thing to do. I am going to help this first outing go flawlessly. This article will give you the dos and don’ts of how to successfully eat out without compromising your surgery. We do not want you to avoid getting out there and living your life. 

Follow the next steps, and it will not only be an enjoyable outing but a healthy one!

The Ins and Outs of Dining Out After Weight Loss Surgery

Pick a place where you can see an online menu before you get there. Look over the menu and pick two items you feel comfortable trying. Depending on where you are in your post-surgery life, there are always the “easy” orders when you are out. Items like fish, eggs, omelets, turkey burgers, baked chicken, or seafood should be your go-to selections.

Order a lean protein appetizer (not fried) or a main entree. Don’t worry about the size of the meal. You can always share or bring it home for another meal tomorrow.

Peruse the section that says “sides” or “extras.” These may be things like a side order of meatballs or side of protein that most people would add to the meal- but this could be your meal!

Be clear when ordering how you would like it prepared. Remember, you are paying for this meal; you can order it in a special way. Ask for gravies, sauces, butters, and glazes on the side. Request lemon and/or lime wedges to naturally flavor your foods. Order proteins that are steamed, grilled, poached, baked, broiled, grilled, or roasted. NOT fried. 

The must-have! A great option is to order a side of consommé or broth to drizzle or dip your protein in to add flavor and moisture. 

If your item comes with a side, request vegetables or salad (with a clear vinaigrette dressing). You will only be having a small amount. Avoid the breads and high-calorie and carbohydrate items like fries, pasta, potatoes, and rice. Most restaurants will allow lettuce and tomatoes in place of fries, for example. 

If the people you are dining with order an appetizer, you simply drink your non-carbonated, decaffeinated, sugar-free beverage during that time. Avoid liquids that have calories. If there is a good protein or vegetable option, feel free to have a taste.

Remember, once your meal comes, stop all beverages until 30 minutes after you have finished. Believe me, no one notices what you’re doing. People are invested in themselves at mealtimes!

Eat slowly, and always chew your food thoroughly for the best tolerability. Relish in the fact that you are successfully enjoying a meal out. Enjoy the company and conversation. It is a big accomplishment!

Hydrate well throughout the day. If you know you are going to be eating a meal out that day, “Pregame” for it.  Check off all your boxes so you are ready! Did you hydrate during the day? Did you exercise that day? Did you get a good night's sleep last night? All of these things will help give your body what it needs to help you feel good and tolerate your meal.

Dining out can promote control for a weight loss surgery patient. Contentment and satisfaction are so important as you experience all that year one has to offer you. There are a lot of firsts. But each time you pass another milestone, celebrate it! Remember, it is okay to enjoy your food. It should be flavorful, low-calorie and healthy. You make the choices. You are in charge. This is all you. You are making these changes and creating a positive lifestyle for yourself. You are amazing. You are doing it!
- Sharon George MS, RD, CDN

Sharon George, MS, RD, CDN  has dedicated her career to Bariatric Nutrition for the past 15 years at the New York Bariatric Group.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sharon George, MS, RD, CDN received her B.A. in Psychology from Syracuse University. She completed a second Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition at L.I.U.C.W. Post and received her Master’s degree in Community Counseling from Hofstra University. She has been published in OH Magazine and Bariatrics Today. Sharon has dedicated her career to Bariatric Nutrition for the past 15 years at the New York Bariatric Group. Read more articles from Sharon!

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