Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Going out to eat with the Band



Recommended Posts

Going out to eat on the weekends is a big part of our social life. Is this still possible on the Band? What dort of foods are best to order or avoid?

Thanks!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Going out to eat on the weekends is a big part of our social life. Is this still possible on the Band? What dort of foods are best to order or avoid?

Thanks!

I've been eating out on an average of 2-3x/week since being banded! For me,it's been about food choices....high Protein, lowfat,low carb,no alcohol. Why waste calories on liquor when I can eat! I don't count calories,i don't weigh or measure my food.The band is fickle,sometimes I could"eat the hair off a ragdoll" & other times,when stressed at work, I can't eat much.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I definitely don't eat out as much as I used to. If I want restaurant food, I typically get it "to-go" and bring it home. It usually takes me 30 min to 2 hours to eat a meal. It works for my life because I can eat at my desk at work, at my house, or at my parents' house. Most of the time when I go to a restaurant, I eat a couple bites of food and box up the rest. A couple weeks ago I got Eggplant Parmesan at an Italian restaurant in NYC (vacation). I couldn't eat more than two bites and had to box it up for later. Many times after eating a bite or two of a meal, I have to wait 20 minutes or so until it's loose enough for me to eat at a semi-normal pace. But that's not reasonable most of the time when you're eating out. You have friends/family with you or you end up holding a table for far longer than you should (which means the server doesn't get to turn around the table and makes less money).

I think it really depends on the person and how tight you are. If I eat out, I usually get something from Outback Steakhouse. Usually a Soup and then the Seared Ahi tuna (I'm obsessed with it). The Soup loosens me up and allows me to eat the tuna. Otherwise, it could be anything I'd normally eat. No matter what I get, I can either eat it at that time or I can't. Sometimes I feel tight/stuck, other times it goes right down.

Last time I sat down in a restaurant with people who didn't know about my band, I had problems eating. I had a couple bites of my meal and then boxed it up. No one said anything, but they were probably like, "WTF eater?"

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Grilled chicken breast could be a disaster, depending on how tight you are.....I avoid it completely when out and I don't prepare it that way for myself. Be careful with soft doughy bread, too. It forms a lump in the pouch very easily. I eat out a lot and have learned what works and doesn't work for me.

Good luck.

Mimi

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

eating out is def something that i did A LOT prior to my lapband and now i try to avoid it. Its really uncomfortable to be in a public place and have your food get stuck and have to throw it back up. I try to get Pasta and cut it really really small. It seems to be the most successful for me at a restaurant. you will find what is easiest for you to do and what isnt. Like the previous person said, it takes a while for me to eat so eating out is hard. i usually get it boxed and take it home to eat at MY normal pace. good luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I eat out on occasion..maybe once every few weeks. Some of my faves are: crab cakes and grilled fish from a local seafood restaurant, "grilled" fish from long john silvers, mac and cheese from panera bread. I'm not one that has problems with food except beef tends to disagree a little.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I go out a lot. I still personally, order a regular meal and just eat what I can usually about 1/3 to a 1/2 of it (appetizers usually have a crapload of calories, not worth it). If I can plan ahead I do.. I like to check out the menu and see what I can eat. Generally just look for anything grilled, baked or broiled and doesn't have a sauce on it... Or if I don't know the calories, I just try to guess, and eat a small amount, I don't over do it. Don't get the bread basket, a salad, Soup, dessert, soda, alcohol.. then a meal isn't so terrible.

I don't get sick or puke, I haven't had any problems yet. But if you do, then you may want to be more careful.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My favorite restaurant is "Catfish Country" here in Lakeland, Florida. I order the baked haddock and sweet potato. I cut off 1/4 of it for myself. I box up the rest for my husband who doesn't enjoy eating out. He and I both have plenty to eat. I really enjoy sweet potatoes because they get real oft, and easy to get out of the skin. As the Catfish Country serves all you can eat cole slaw with the meal, that is plenty for me. Hope that gives you some idea what you can eat, too! Karen

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I eat out, maybe 1x-2x a week on average.

The only thing my band doesn't like is french fries. I do try to order low carb (most of the time) and I don't eat out of the bread basket. I pay attention to my hunger and I mostly stop eating when I'm "not hungry" though occasionally I push it to "full" and then regret it all night-- I hate that too full feeling with my band.

On Sundays, my husband and I go to a barbecue place. I might order a pulled pork sandwich, and just eat the meat (no bun/no side). Or I'll get a half-salad with smoked turkey and eat 1/2- 2/3rds of it. If I go to a Greek place, I might order a gyro and just eat the insides. If we do Mexican, I might get a burrito and eat 1/3 of it. If you stay away from bread and starches while eating out, you can usually do it fairly low-calorie. And the best part is, you can ALWAYS take leftovers home for the next day or two.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My eating out is very much like stateofzen's. I avoid the bread if it is soft. I avoid chicken breast (almost guaranteed to get stuck).

I figure out where the bathroom is right away, just in case. Like Heather, I check out the menu ahead of time if I can and have a plan before I get there. I do sometimes order from the appetizer menu, especially if I am with a group. Mainly because appetizer tend to be easier to eat and thus, less likely to get stuck. In a group, I tend to pay less attention to what I am eating, and more to the conversation. So I am more likely to take a bigger bite, or swallow before fully chewed. This tends to lead to getting stuck, so I'll go more with slider type foods in that situation.

With my hubby, we often share meals. Or if there is a split fee, I'll order a blow of Soup, and then take a bit of his entree. If he wants his own entree, then I order one and know that I have my lunch for the next day.

It doesn't have to be stressful. And dining out should not be something you avoid because you are banded. You just have to made some adjustments.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I eat out regularly, though not as often as I did pre-band. Wednesday nights I go out with my dance students after class; my usual order is Soup and crackers (the place makes divine pepper cheese soup), though occasionally I splurge and have a chocolate malt. ;) My daughter enjoys Chinese food, so I order kung pao chicken, eat the Soup and a few bites of rice, chicken, and vegetables and box the rest for later.

bread doesn't work for me any more, neither does dry meat of any kind. I always loved sandwiches and my friends like to meet at sandwich shops. It has been an adjustment, but I've learned to love soup just as much.

I'm a little concerned about eating on the road next week, but I will manage.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

We eat out at least once per week. I don't have any trouble. Sometimes I will split with one of my kids or husband & sometimes I order my own and take leftovers home. I can pretty much eat whatever I want - I try to eat "healthy" - I stay away from breads, meats can be difficult depending how they are cooked. This lapband has not stopped me from eating out or having an occasional alcoholic beverage - I just need to think about my choices.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×