So just curious what everyone eats at a restaurant after surgery?? I have 2 kids 21 & 23 and that's usually the only time we can meet up w everyone's schedules ! Just want to stay on track !

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I'm still ore op- but my mom had the lap band years ago, and soup is usually her "go to" meal at restaurants.

Sorry. Pre- op. [emoji23]

appetizers (if they have a non-breaded, non fried option like shrimp cocktail)

order off the light/low carb menu and plan to have leftovers (ask for a to go box immediately and put most of it in there so not tempted to over eat), and most places will accomodate if you ask them to hold the rice/potato/pasta/bun etc.

I have only been out to eat twice since my surgery. I had salmon the first time and a salad the second--there are more choices than I thought there were! Just ignore the fries!

Mexican food with the rice and just a small bit of tortilla, steak, chicken, I love fish!, pizza toppings, teriyaki chicken without the rice, sashimi!, chili, bacon, eggs, sausage, quiche without the crust, chicken wings... I could keep going but ultimately this is about choices.

Depends on how far out you are post-op. If you are far enough out to not have anymore food restrictions, then just stick with anything protein-based. I will order burgers and sandwiches without the roll/bread... meat entrees without the sides.... appetizers... whatever is on the menu where I can get a decent amount of protein and skip the carbs. That's really all there is to it.

Thank you all so much !

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Almost every restaurant has fish or chicken and salads. That can be your go to just be careful what is in your salad.

I haven't found a restaurant yet where I couldn't find something appropriate for me to eat. Don't over think things.

Sandwich place? There's usually always salads and soup. Or eat the insides out of the sandwich.

Burger place? Eat the burger and all the fixins, no bun.

Italian place? There's always a chicken or fish option.

Diner? A nice omelette has lots of Protein. And they usually serve Breakfast all day.

Also, don't ever be afraid to ask for things prepared a certain way, or ordering a la cart stuff. You're the customer, they should and usually will oblige.

I eat out ALL the time and have since practically day one of surgery.

This has been so helpful ! I was so worried about that

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I have found that right now, eating out isn't enjoyable for me. I am a little more than 2 months post op, so I am very aware of anything and everything I eat. I think I feel this way because I have old memories about my favorite places and I really can't have those foods anymore. I'm OK with this. I'm a new, healthier me. I do like Buffalo Wild Wings and they let me eat off of the children's menu. Their naked tenders are delicious and very moist. I also eat some of the carrots and celery. I usually get one of their dry rubs and dip the end of the tender in it, for some spice. I find this enjoyable. This kid's meal give me 2 meals. Once I reach maintenance, I will expand my choices, but I will still be cautious of the underlying fat and sugar. @Babbs. I think Babbs probably is the best resource here, as she's maintained her weight loss for over 2 years.

I have been going out to eat a LOT lately as my new place is under so much construction that food-prep there isn't really an option. I had to clean for 20 minutes last night just to be able to make a cup of coffee! So here are some things I've had recently:

Denny's: The one egg, one meat, french toast option off the senior's menu (I'm not a senior, but they don't care). I ate the egg and one sausage link and half the piece of french toast. I'm over 2 years post-op. Would definitely not have touched the french toast at all the first year!

Red Robin: Chili! I get chili almost anywhere that has it, because I love it, it is pretty much pure Proteins, and you can just order a cup. I never finish a whole cup, but I can get close enough to not arouse any suspicion.

TGIF: Jack Daniels chicken Sandwich. Ordered it without the bun or veggies. Ate about 2/3 of the chicken, none of the bacon (I sometimes have trouble with pork if I eat it at the same time as other meat), ALL of the cheese (love cheese!), maybe two of the onion straws and maybe 4 small french fries.

Cheesecake Factory: Louisiana Chicken Pasta. I ate most of one piece of chicken and took the other piece home. Ate literally two bowtie noodles (probably should have just asked for it without the pasta). And I ate ALL of the mushrooms out of that bad boy!

Most of the time I will just order the food without the rice/pasta/bread, but sometimes that really confuses people or messes them up, so I will get the carb and just not eat it. Like try going to a sub shop and ordering your sub with no bread.... doesn't go over so well. So I will get the whole sub and then just eat the meat and cheese out of it. You really have to get comfortable with "wasting" food. For some people that is REALLY hard. But you have to do it.

Thank you so much those are a lot of their favorite places to go ! They don't want me to have the surgery so trying not to change too much at one time ! With every ones work / school schedule we usually squeeze in a dinner once a week !

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I eat out almost daily and have never had an issue finding something. Soup, an appetizer, a side, the insides of a sandwich, a side salad, and if I'm not hungry, I don't order anything but a drink.

(Tell a fat girl she can actually go to a restaurant and not order something and she will look at you like you have 400 heads, but I can and I do.)

If I am with one of my kids, they usually order a salad, I have them add on a Protein for a few bucks extra and we ask for that add on to be on the side.

I can't think of a single place I've been where I can't find something decent. Chinese? Egg drop soup and maybe the chinese ribs or a meal with steamed veggies, no rice. Italian? A meatball app. Pizza? The toppings or non breaded chicken wings. Burger joint? Burger, no bread, no fries. Mexican? A fish taco and Beans or I share fajitas no tortillas.

It's seriously not a big deal.

So far (6 weeks out) I've done Mexican, Chinese, and Italian out, and I've had:

Mexican: chicken chimichanga, black Beans, stuffed chile relleno, fajitas, huevos rancheros

Chinese: tofu, garlic green beans, chicken curry, mongolian chicken, dragon chicken rice bowl (no rice!)

Italian: chicken marsala with broccoli

I'm restricted for right now to no raw vegetables and no beef, pork, or lamb, so I've really only scratched the surface of what I can/will be able to eat.

Follow your plan.

"When all is said and done, usually more has been said than done. "

Fish or chicken. Restaurants are very accommodating. Watch the carbs.

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