“Hey, Karen, what’s up? why are you not eating”?
“Hey Ken, I am having some tummy issues the past few days, so I am going to take it easy with the food”.
“Hey, Karen, what’s up? why are you not eating”?
“Well Ken, I am taking medications for a stomach issue, and I have to take those meds with food, so I had to eat before I came to meet you”.
“Hey, Karen, what’s up? why are you not eating”?
“Hey Ken, (INSERT EXCUSE HERE)”.
…. you get the gist. Go armed with an excuse if you don’t feel up to explaining your recent surgery.
Now, if you are meeting people and they know you had surgery two weeks ago, there are a few options in most restaurants.
I always say, check the menu before choosing a place to eat at. Do they have soup on that menu? Soup will be your BEST FRIEND for the first few weeks post-op.
Mexican restaurants make the best soups. Think “black bean soup”, “chicken soup”, “vegetable soup”. They also have re-fried beans on the menu. Creamy mashed potatoes are not the best option but if you are stuck, you will find some on almost all restaurant menus.
As time goes by, and you are deep into your bariatric journey, you will be able to expand your repertoire of restaurant-friendly dishes. Portion sizes are completely another issue. The portions will always be too big for you to finish so don’t even think of ordering anything without a “doggy bag”. You will need it.
Ask questions. Can you order a half portion? Is there anything healthy” ish” on the children’s menu and can you order off it? What about the appetizer menu? Is there anything on it that you like and would work for you?
Who says you need to order a main dish? Appetizers are my favorites. They are a smaller portion, and I don’t feel overwhelmed with a huge plate of food.
What about when you are a year post-op – or 10 years post-op? Well, at that stage, your bariatric pouch will have stretched a bit and it won’t be so complicated at restaurants, but I always suggest checking the menu before you arrive. Combine a protein with veg and you are on the right track.
What about a chicken/veg soup, chicken salad, shrimp with sauteed vegetables, grilled chicken with a side salad, a small steak with green beans and asparagus, baked salmon with creamed cauliflower, grilled fish with some fresh cherry tomatoes.
Your best bet will be to arrive at your restaurant destination with your plan in place. Know what you want to order before you even sit down. That will eliminate the urge to order the burger/fry combo. You know what you want, get it ordered, and focus on the most important part of the meal – your friends, and family, and the great conversation. Don’t forget, no kitchen to clean up or dishes to do (YAY).
Tell me, how do you order at restaurants post-bariatric surgery? I would love you to email me back with your ideas.
Healthy Hugs,
