Eating out

Hi all, I'm almost four months post op and haven't eaten out yet. Can anyone suggest where to go where they can cater to bariatric diet needs?

No one really caters to our needs. I found in the beginning it was easier to check out the menu before I went. I often will order from the appetizer menu. Or if I have a full meal take the remaining portion home. It is not a good time to try new foods as you will not know how you will react to them. Just order protein forward meals.

I would suggest a Greek restaurant. One and a half chicken sticks is just under 3oz of meat. (I have taken my scale with me, it looks like an iPad lol) and then I take the other half of the stick home. Another good place is Swiss Chalet. 

Swiss Chalet was a good place for me - bowl of their soup and a few bites of my hubby's chicken (just so I could have the sauce )

Most places have a nice soup - try sticking to that... I have learnt that ordering a full meal is not good when in a group as hard to stop as it is not on my small plate and not look like someone who is not eating. 

I stick with an app, salad or soup.  If with my family, I can get a full meal and take 1/2 home or split with someone.

If you are nervous to dump, get a soup from Swiss and bring it home, try it then you will know.

Lori Lee

You could probably go almost anywhere.  There should be something that you can eat, even if it's just a bowl of soup.  Look at restaurants in your area that have menus on line, so that you can pre-pick your order.  The only place that wouldn't be suitable to eat at would be a buffet.  There would be food, but you wouldn't eat enough to make it worth it.  I would also avoid chinese for now, they have a lot of deep fried food on the menu. That and a lot of sweet or spicey (my tummy doesn't agree with either) sauces.

Enjoy your dinner.

Cathy

I tend to stay away from Pub-type places since a lot of their food is deep fried.  I've had good luck at Red Lobster (they have a lighter menu and my new tummy LOVES seafood), I've also done well at steak houses since meat is the main thrust of their menus and most have veggie/salad sides instead of fries.  I always check out menus on-line first if I can so that I can make an informed decision and not be impulsive at the last minute.

TES

At four months out you can probably find something virtually anywhere, as others have mentioned. Get creative in order to keep it healthy, most places are happy to substitute a healthier side or hold the bun. Since I rarely can eat more than a quarter of the meal I ask for a take-home container after I order.  Then when the food comes I remove 3/4 into my little container and I am left with a reasonable portion.  That way I do not accidentally overeat or keep nibbling at the food.  I usually order something moist and high protein with a lower carb veggie on the side.  I really like mucho burrito "burrito bowls", which is the inside of a burrito without the tortilla, and I ask for no rice. I usually get 3 meals out of one bowl, it is filling.  Another place I like to go is a "the works" as they have turkey burgers, I get one patty without a bun with mushroom cheese garlic and avocado slices on it, and one of their healthier sides.  They have various raw veggies, steamed veggies, and salads as sides.  Ask for a takeout container, you will not want any to go to waste. 

I've been out a handful of times. I eat slow, and only an appropriate portion. Pack up the rest to bring home.

Things I've had at restaurants:

salmon fillet 

chicken souvlaki

chicken penne with roasted veg, hold the penne

turkey burger with no bun

chicken with pea pods from a Vietnamese restaurant

scrambled egg

roasted chicken, skin removed

Hi Ann!

I don't have any words of wisdom but I just wanted to say how well you're doing!  You inspire me! 

Beth

Is that you Beth? If it is, your day is coming soon. We can be inspiration buddies!