I know there are threads about eating out, but I just wanted a little specific, anecdotal info about any sleevers eating BBQ (like restuarunt, not backyard grilling). That is by far my boyfriend and my favorite food, apart and together. I want so badly to be able to continue to enjoy it with him from time to time.

At the end of the day I'd give it up in a heartbeat, but it would be comforting to know that "never again" is not going to be my new reality.

I eat BBQ frequently. But it is going to be a little while before you can be back full swing. Beef and pork were not on my plate until 6 months post op. BBQ ribs were one of my favs as cooked properly, they are nice and moist, which helps with digestion.

The bottom line here is to remember the boat you are in. You just had 85% of your stomach removed. The stomach is the mechanical part of digestion ... and it has been severely reduced. meat, beef especially, requires a bit more processing time to get into a mushy phase where it can pass through the pyloric valve. This is why we are directed to eat lean Proteins first as it is going to give us the "full" feeling longer.

But advancing too early or eating too much can cause great discomfort as your stomach may not be ready to handle such foods. The storal to the mory is to take it easy reintroducing foods back in. Don't push yourself too much. Listen to your medical team and follow the basic guidelines:

• Lean Protein first, then veggies
• Don't drink 15 minutes before, during or after meals
• Take small bites, chew well and put your utensil down between bites assessing how you felt before taking the next bite.
• Exercise

Good luck!

While I don't really eat at BBQ restaurants because we have a competitive BBQ team I still eat BBQ just in a lot less quantity. We usually compete with ribs, chicken, beef, and pork. I eat a sample bite of each. Post op food doesn't have the same control over me. I can enjoy and savor that 1 bite of each. I only started eating BBQ again at about 6 months out because it's a lot tougher to digest and I followed all of my doctors rules. If you click on my profile, my after picture is at a BBQ competition at 7 months out and down about 80 lbs. I have continued to love BBQ and still lost weight.

Here in Texas, I think I'd have no problem going to a BBQ restaurant. When you've correctly advanced through the food stages, you could easily choose smoked turkey breast or chicken, some jalepeno beans, pickles and onions, a bit of fresh salad. I'd skip the sandwich buns and rolls, and try to order a kid's plate or plan for leftovers.

Edited January 7, 201412 yr by VSG AJH

BBQ is definitely in your future. I would almost claim that a BBQ restaraunt is as close to sleeve friendly as you can get considering how protein rich the options are. We like going to BBQ post op and like to order pulled pork, beef brisket or chicken by the oz. We make it a point to discover and try new BBQ joints, but our favorite has to be Famous Dave's. If they put the meat on white bread, just skip eating it. Avoid corn bread. Choose a side that is going to be healthy like steamed brocolli instead of baked beans. Think low GI. I like trying different sauces, especially the spicier ones. Just be aware how much you are eating. Finally, consider how far post op you are and the toughness or density of the meat. I could not really handle brisket until after month 6, but could so pulled pork before then. Have fun exploring all the different BBQ options!

thanks guys! You've given me some hope!!! We're also planning on moving to Kansas, and I KNOW how tempting that is going to be. I figured it would just be a change in portion and of course a while after surgery, but I needed some reassurnce

Are you talking Texas bbq or southern style bbq with sauce?

Texas style bbq (smoked, no sauce) is a great post-surgery thing to eat, lots of Protein.

I think sauced bbq would not be so great post sleeve because there is a lot of sugar in bbq sauce between brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, fruit juice, etc., just my $0.02. Maybe if you scraped off the sauce.

I'd also stick with coleslaw instead of potato salad, and skip the bread. And no Big Red lol

I actually went out for BBQ this weekend - I'm 7 weeks out and approved for all foods now, no restrictions.

I looked at the menu trying to decide what I wanted - everything looked and smelled so good.

When it came time to order, I said, "I'll just split my husband's meal." He was totally OK with this because I literally ate what shredded pork fell out of his sandwich. I had a couple of fries. I had about 1/4 of the top of corn muffin. I left totally satisfied and happy that I could enjoy food that my family ate!

You will be able to enjoy most of the foods you had in the past...just in much smaller quantities.

Let them eat BBQ!

Wow...PdxMan...that is some wonderful information!!! Thanks for sharing...I still have to get the hang of slow down and chew longer... I have gotten better, over time, but not where I should be...

as far as carbs...NO NO NO... cut them out as much as possible, they have no value... I haven't had a fry or potato in a year and a half and don't miss it at all! Don't get it that habit of "no restrictions"... you have to watch what you eat FOREVER, you have to change your way of thinking about food... Protein is most important as your body does not produce protein... be careful of a "no restrictions" attitude, you'll be gaining back weight before you can blink!!!

Edited January 7, 201412 yr by BigGirlPanties

I should add - I log everything I eat (including the couple of fries I had and the corn muffin bits). I watch my carbs very closely - I limited mine to 30 per day and realized my low energy because of it. I am around 50 carbs per day (OK'd by doc) and min of 80 grams of Protein and feel better than I have in years.

Carbs aren't necessarily bad - bad carbs are bad. Carbs of the complex variety are OK and a great source of Fiber for those of us that have constipation issues - low glycemic fruits and vegetables and whole grains are great in moderation. Bad carbs like refined sugars and flours should be limited.

I don't say "never" because that's unrealistic.

Edited January 7, 201412 yr by McButterpants