Dining Out, Bariatric Style

1. Dining Out, Bariatric Style Make it a memorable evening for the right reasons: Tips for dining out after bariatric surgery

2. People Are Talking About… • Order of Operations • Beverage Smarts • Danger Zones and Best Bets • Restaurant Rundown

3. But First! • Remember, this surgery is a big deal. • Your stomach has gone from the size of a fist to the size of a thumb. • Better to be safe than sick.

4. Order of Operations Answering the questions of what and when.

5. Protein is King • Eat protein first! • You need to consume 60-70 grams of protein per day. • That means each meal needs 20-25 grams of protein.

6. Protein Choices • Stick to lean protein! • Flaky is best, so choose fish or well-chopped breast of chicken or turkey.

7. Protein Choices • Steer clear of beef and pork because they are high in fat and not easily digestible.

8. Follow with Fruits and Veggies • After you’ve eaten your protein, move on to fruits and vegetables.

9. How to Eat A Wrap

10. Beverage Smarts

11. Just Say No to Straws • Skip the straw. • Take small sips. • Avoid carbonated drinks.

12. Don’t Do It! • Don’t drink during meals. • Have liquids no more than 30 minutes before a meal or at least 30 minutes after you’re done eating.

13. 64 Ounces • Drink 64 ounces of liquid per day. • Divide that amount evenly throughout the day, and remember… • DON’T DRINK WITH MEALS!

14. Danger Zones and Best Bets For a lovely night out, make wise choices

15. Big, Scary Steak • Do. Not. Order. A. Big. Steak.

16. Careful with Certain Carbs • Pasta, rice, instant mashed potatoes, and bread are not good for bariatric patients. • These products can expand in your esophagus and cause a blockage.

17. Plan Ahead! • Many restaurants now offer their full menus online. • Do your research and find healthful options before you even walk into the restaurant.

18. Not Just for Kids Anymore • Often your best meal choices may come from the kids’ menu. • If that’s the case, go with it.

19. Appetizing Appetizers • Another good option for restaurant dining is choosing an appetizer for your meal. • Just be sure that it is full of lean protein as well as fruits and veggies. • Remember to eat protein first!

20. Move to the Side • Side orders are also best bets at restaurants. • Just be sure that the food you choose has lots of protein in it.

21. Sharing is Caring • A third alternative is to share a meal with a friend. • Or have half your entrée wrapped to take home before it is brought to your table.

22. Restaurant Rundown Healthful strokes for different folks

23. Restaurant Protein Rule • 20-25 g of allowed protein is a piece of tender chicken or fish that is the size of a deck of cards. • Choose the right protein in the right size. • After that, eat veggies. • Discard starches, which are bad news for your stomach.

24. Calculations • ½ cup chopped chicken or fish • ½ cup veggies • 300-400 calories • If high in fat, double or triple calories – but it is best to keep low in fat

25. A Word About Alcohol • We don’t recommend that you consume alcohol. • Your body absorbs it much faster than usual. • Talk with your doctor before deciding to consume alcohol after your surgery.

26. Avoid Buffets • Avoid buffets. • It is frustrating to see people come and go with huge plates of food, especially when you have to be so careful. • Plus, buffets aren’t as social.

27. Italian Dining • At Italian restaurants like Maggiano’s or the Olive Garden, look for grilled entrees. • Grilled fish and chicken are all good bets. • Steer clear of pasta!

28. Italian Ideas: Olive Garden The Venetian Apricot Chicken has 400 calories, 7 grams of fat, 34 grams of carbohydrates and a whopping 51 grams of protein. 510 calories, 26 grams of fat, only 5 grams of carbohydrates, and 64 grams of protein

29. At Asian Restaurants… • At Asian restaurants, skip the rice and go for protein. • Try a veggie stir-fry with chicken or fish. • Eat the protein first, then the veggies.

30. Asian Best Bets

31. Mexican Options • At Mexican restaurants, have your meals served in bowls, rather than tortillas or wraps. • Try beans or chicken, with fresh veggies.

32. Mexican Goodies Get rid of the rice and fill it with chicken and veggies and you’ll be good to go!

33. American Grill • At American restaurants, have small portions. • If there’s a “light” or “healthy” menu, check it out!

34. Grill Menu Rundown

35. Indian Dining • Stick to milder flavors, especially at first. • Try daal, chicken tikka, or tandoori chicken.

36. Indian Best Choices

37. Fast Food • Try salads topped with chicken or fish. Eat protein first. • Grilled chicken sandwiches are good, without the bread. • Remember, no straws or carbonated drinks. • And skip the fried food.

38. Fast Food Cheat Sheet

39. Fast Food Cheat Sheet

40. Bariatric Dining Quiz! • Never drink liquids _____. A) During meals C) With a straw B) That are fizzy D) All of the above. • True or false: It’s important to eat veggies and fruits first, followed by protein, and skipping pasta/breads/rice entirely.

41. Bariatric Dining Quiz! • Never drink liquids _____. A) During meals C) With a straw B) That are fizzy D) All of the above. • True or false: It’s important to eat veggies and fruits first, followed by protein, and skipping pasta/breads/rice entirely.

42. Bariatric Dining Quiz! • Good choices to order include… A) Fish C) Pork B) Beef D) All of the above • True or false: Best bets on the menu include appetizers, kids menu, and side dishes.

43. Bariatric Dining Quiz! • Good choices to order include… A) Fish C) Pork B) Beef D) All of the above • True or false: Best bets on the menu include appetizers, kids menu, and side dishes.

44. Let’s Review • Order of Operations • Beverage Smarts • Danger Zones and Best Bets • Restaurant Rundown

45. That’s Our Show! We miss you already. Enjoy your new journey!