5 Ways to Eat Out After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

5 Ways to Eat Out After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Recipes and healthy eating after bariatric surgery are crucial for maintaining the weight you've truly achieved.

Gastric sleeve surgery and other obesity surgery methods help with weight loss, but in reality, this process also paves the way for changes in eating habits.

One of the main concerns for someone who has had gastric sleeve surgery is not knowing what to eat when dining out, not knowing what to look out for, and not being able to choose the right alternatives when ordering food for delivery.

Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Specialist, Dr. Eren Taşkın, explains the ways to eat out after gastric sleeve surgery:
"You are absolutely right in what you're saying, and I'd like to emphasize that after any bariatric surgery, sticking to your dietary goals doesn't always mean you have to cook at home all the time.

However, there are many questions about what to order at home, what to avoid, and how to make the right choices to ensure that your meal is bariatric-friendly.

So far, I have discharged all my patients who have undergone obesity surgery with a small booklet that will guide and provide them with a roadmap, as it is crucial for a patient who has had obesity surgery to know very well what they should eat afterward.

Now, I would like to provide you with five tips to make eating out after obesity surgery easier.

Find a Restaurant with Options

After gastric sleeve and, of course, other bariatric surgeries, there is a high probability that some foods and beverages may have side effects and should be avoided, especially in the post-operative period.

Carbonated drinks, sugary beverages, caffeine, chewing gum, and spicy foods are generally not well tolerated. Stay away from them.

If you choose a place with a diverse menu and plenty of options, you won't have a hard time making choices. Choose a restaurant where you know they offer a variety of nutritious and bariatric-friendly options like grilled meats, whole grains, and vegetable-based dishes.

Protein is King

Take a look at the menu of the restaurant you'll be visiting or ordering from in advance. This increases the likelihood of choosing a meal that aligns with your goals when you place your order.

When choosing what to order, start with protein, which is a priority nutrient for someone who has had gastric sleeve surgery.

Opt for foods that are steamed, grilled, or baked, and avoid fried or deep-fried options.

If you are newly post-op, focus on the foods your doctor initially recommends; these are foods we know you will tolerate well. Always follow your doctor's recommendations. This way, you avoid foods you might not tolerate well at this stage.

Add Some Vegetables

After selecting your protein, add some vegetables to your meal. I'm not talking about French fries, by the way. Instead of pasta, consider salad or grilled mixed vegetables.

Divide Your Meal

Restaurant portions are typically large, and sometimes they can be four to five times the recommended portion size for someone with a gastric sleeve. To help control the quantity, ask if the restaurant offers half-size portions and order that way.

If they don't offer half portions, take only the portion you plan to eat before you start your meal and have the rest packaged, so you can enjoy it another day.

But don't think, 'I'll eat what's on my plate, and I'll have the leftovers packed.' Having a small portion in front of you is crucial for developing the habit.

Eat Mindfully

Pay attention to each bite and how it makes you feel, savor the taste of your meal. Notice when you feel satisfied. Stop eating when you feel full.

I'm not saying stop when you're stuck, I'm saying stop when you're full if you pay attention. It's important to distinguish between the two. Consume from your plate, not from the middle. Don't mix water and solids. You can drink your beverage about half an hour after finishing your meal."