Birthdays don’t just stop after you have weight loss surgery. Neither do anniversaries or holidays, graduations and other special events in your life and the lives of those you care about. And with these special occasions generally comes the invitation for a night of dining out. A nice restaurant, a fun cafe, a favorite local eatery—you’re going to have to face them all at one point or another.
By taking your time and doing a bit of research beforehand, you can find a healthy meal on just about any menu. By learning a few simple tricks you can stick to your weight loss surgeon’s guidelines as you dine out. In time you’ll get the swing of eating out and sticking to your post-bariatric diet.
Here are a few tips to consider as you encounter your first post-surgery menu:
- If you have control over the location, pick a restaurant with a large menu. The more options you have, the more likely it is you’ll find something you can eat.
- Call ahead and ask questions about the menu. During a restaurants rush it isn’t always possible to speak with a chef. If you call just before they open or during a lull, like the mid-afternoon, you may have the chance to discuss your food restrictions and set a plan for what you can order.
- Don’t order a drink, and have your water glass removed from the table. Drinking any fluid while eating after weight loss surgery might result in vomiting.
- Have a box brought to you with your food and pack half of your meal away right from the start. This can help you control the portion you eat.
When you are dining out, eat slowly and focus on the conversation at the table. Chances are those you are with will be eating more than you, and that is okay. Engage in the conversation around you and put your fork down in between bites. This can help you keep a steady pace and may prevent you from overeating while dining out.