Dinner in a restaurant after stomach reduction.

Going out for dinner for the first time after a stomach reduction can be nerve-wracking. Will you eat too much? And will everything go well on your stomach? Read our tips to prepare yourself and enjoy dinner.

1 - Review the menu in advance

Take a look at the restaurant's menu beforehand. This will give you an idea of the options available and whether there’s something that your stomach can take without any problem. Chicken breast or white fish, for example, are dishes that most people find easy to digest after a stomach reduction.

However, each body reacts differently, so choose a dish that you feel comfortable with.

2 - Request sauces apart

Ask if they can serve sauces on the side. Some dishes—even salads—may contain sauces with quite a bit of sugar or ingredients that might upset your stomach. By having the sauce on the side, you can test bit by bit how your stomach reacts on it.

3 - Don’t drink too much

It’s better not to drink at least half an hour before and after eating. Drinking can cause the food in your stomach to be flushed to your intestines more quickly, increasing the risk of dumping syndrome. If you're thirsty, take only very small sips.

4 - Ask for a smaller portion

In most restaurants, you can ask for a smaller portion. This makes it much easier for you not to overeat.

Tip from a customer:

Some restaurants serve only small dishes. You order various small dishes in multiple rounds, with each round having its own price. The idea is to try many different dishes, but I found this perfect for my smaller portions. The small dishes kept me from overeating, and I only paid a small amount for a lovely dinner.

5 - Choose steamed or grilled dishes

Try to avoid fried and stewed dishes. Baked, steamed, and grilled dishes are often much easier on the stomach.

6 - Salad as a side dish

Most dishes come with fries as a standard side. The fats in the fries can be harsh on your stomach. Fortunately, it’s often not a problem to swap them out for a salad.

7 - Eat slowly

Enjoy each bite and chew slowly. This helps break down the food in your mouth. It also allows you to sense if something feels right on your stomach or if it's too much. Your stomach and brain need about twenty minutes to signal that you’re full and can stop eating.

8 - Ask for a doggy bag

Many restaurant portions are too large for your smaller stomach. Don’t feel obligated to finish everything. More and more restaurants offer the option to pack up the leftovers so you can take them home. That way, you can enjoy it again later.

9 - Are you still unsure? Call ahead to discuss your options

Contact the restaurant before you go there and ask for the options. Do they offer small portions? Do they have low-fat, high-protein options?

It’s helpful to speak directly with the restaurant staff and get their advice. They are usually happy to accommodate your needs.

Enjoy dinner!

Hopefully these tips help you to prepare and enjoy dinner in a restaurant after a stomach reduction. Bon appétit!

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