How to Eat at Buffets After Bariatric Surgery?

Medically Reviewed by Katelyn J. Mock, US-Registered Dietician (R.D.)

The holidays generally come with stress revolving around food, more so if you’ve had bariatric surgery. After having bariatric surgery, you have to think more about your food choices this time of year.

Buffets – General Tips for Bariatric Patients

• Plan Ahead of Time. Try to make some healthier choices earlier in the day, leading up to a holiday party. Make sure to have some extra fruits, vegetables, and lean protein choices.
• Avoid Fasting Ahead of Time. Skipping meals/eating light before the party, ending up starving, and eating more at the party than your pouch can handle should be avoided. This behavior can have severe consequences after gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or any other weight loss surgery, such as:
  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

One thing that is almost impossible to avoid at family reunions or parties is the Buffet Line.

• Eat healthier earlier in the day.
• Look at what is being offered on the buffet before you even grab a plate and make a mental plan of what your dish will look like and what foods are worth the indulgence and which aren’t.
• Use a salad or appetizer plate instead of a dinner plate.
• Pick one dessert or indulgent food to have in a small portion and savor each bite. Having a little helps you feel less deprived.
• Avoid sitting close to the buffet table. This helps prevent grazing and overeating. Eat a small healthy snack with some protein before you leave the house to curb those cravings.
• Scan the food table at a party before you grab a plate. This lets you decide what items you want to choose so you don’t overfill your plate.

Bariatric Buffet – How to Smart Eat while Dining Out

• Try to pick a good protein source first. Shrimp, cubed cheese, sliced deli meat, and mixed nuts can be a good choice for those of you who are later post-op. If you are <6 months out from surgery, cubed cheese and deviled eggs are generally well tolerated.
  
• Next, go for some vegetables or fresh fruit to round out that protein, and feel free to add a little dip.

Soup is always a good choice and easily tolerated at any stage.

• If you want, choose one “occasional” item to have so that you do not feel deprived. This may be a small cup of eggnog, a piece of fudge peanut brittle, etc.
• Don’t be afraid to say “No Thanks” when the host asks if you want to take a plate of leftovers or cookies home at the end of a party.

Hope these tips work for you! Let us know in the comments!

This Post Addresses

• Eating out after bariatric surgery
• Gastric bypass restaurant card
• Bariatric restaurant card
• Eating after bariatric surgery, the sleeve
• Diet after gastric bypass surgery
• Restaurants eating after gastric sleeve and bypass
• What are some tips for dining out after weight loss surgery?