Eating Bariatric-Friendly Fast Food Options

Eating Bariatric-Friendly Fast Food 

Fast food doesn't have to be off-limits after bariatric surgery. With careful choices and modifications, you can still enjoy these quick meals while sticking to your post-surgery nutrition guidelines.

While fast food is not the ideal choice for post-op bariatric patients, it can be a viable option in a pinch if you choose wisely. There are ways that you can make fast food bariatric-friendly enough to eat it occasionally.~ Dr. K. Huffman, Bariatric Physician

The key is understanding what makes a meal bariatric-friendly and knowing how to modify menu items to fit your specific needs.

Best Fast Food Chains for Bariatric Patients

Most chains have expanded their menus to include healthier choices that can align pretty well with bariatric diets. These fast food chains also provide a range of customizable options that can help bariatric patients manage their diet effectively while still enjoying the convenience of fast food.

Here are some bariatric-friendly fast food options at these popular food chains:

Chipotle Protein Bowl for Bariatric Patients:

Chipotle is a favorite for many bariatric patients, offering salad bowls without rice or beans that can be excellent protein sources. Their burrito bowls can be customized with double protein (chicken, steak, or sofritas) and vegetables, skipping the rice and beans entirely. Plus, the portions are large so you can eat half and save half for another meal later.

• Start with a base of lettuce (no rice, or maybe light brown rice)
• Choose protein (chicken, steak, or carnitas are best options)
• Include fajita vegetables for nutrition and flavor
• Add small amounts of salsa (pico de gallo has the lowest calories)
• Consider a small portion of guacamole for healthy fats
• Skip the cheese and sour cream if you're sensitive to dairy
• Avoid the chips, which are high in carbs and fat

Chipotle’s large portions make it easy to eat half now and save half for later, which is beneficial for bariatric patients who need to manage portion sizes. Always prioritize lean proteins and vegetables to ensure a balanced meal.

Subway Bariatric Food Options:

Subway allows you to create protein bowls or salads with various protein options like turkey, chicken, or tuna, without the bread. Their customization options make it easy to create a meal that fits your specific needs. They are also large enough for most bariatric patients to eat half now and save half for later.

• Choose rotisserie-style chicken, turkey breast, or tuna for protein
• Ask for double meat to increase protein content
• Load up on non-starchy vegetables (spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, etc.)
• Use oil and vinegar instead of creamy dressings
• Skip the cheese if you're sensitive to dairy
• Avoid high-carb additions like croutons and crackers

Chick-fil-A Bariatric-Friendly Food Options:

At Chick-fil-A, it’s important to focus on grilled options over fried ones to keep calorie intake low. Pairing grilled chicken with a side salad or fruit helps maintain a balanced meal.

• Grilled Chicken Sandwich: A good source of protein, consider removing the bun or cheese to reduce calories and carbs.
• Grilled Nuggets: High in protein and low in calories, pair with a side salad or fresh fruit.
• Fruit Cup: A low-calorie, healthy side option.
• Kale Crunch Side: Offers a nutritious boost.

Panera Bread Bariatric-Friendly Food Options:

Panera Bread provides a variety of healthy options suitable for bariatric diets. Panera Bread’s half salads are ideal for bariatric patients as they provide a smaller portion size while still offering a satisfying meal. Be cautious with dressings; you can ask for it on the side or just go for lighter options to keep calorie intake in check.

• Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken (Half): Offers a balanced mix of protein and vegetables.
• Caesar Salad (Half): Another good option, though be mindful of the dressing.
• Egg Whites: A high-protein breakfast option with minimal calories.
• Unsweetened Tea or Coffee: Low-calorie beverage options.

Taco Bell Bariatric-Friendly Options:

Taco Bell’s Fresco menu offers lighter options that are ideal for bariatric patients. Typically, Taco Bell is not ideal for any kind of diet, but they do have options that can get you through a meal without much risk to ruining your diet.

• Chicken Soft Taco: Approximately 160 calories, featuring grilled chicken, lettuce, and pico de gallo.
• Crunchy Taco: Around 150 calories, with seasoned beef, lettuce, and pico de gallo.
• Regular Soft Taco: About 160 calories, with seasoned beef, lettuce, and pico de gallo.
• Customize with guacamole or black beans for added nutrients without significant calorie increase.

Wendy’s Bariatric-Friendly Food Options:

Wendy’s offers several bariatric-friendly choices by focusing on lean proteins and smaller portions. Wendy’s grilled chicken options are a great choice for bariatric patients due to their high protein content and lower calorie count. Smaller sized sandwhiches like the Jr. Hamburger can help manage portion sizes effectively.

• Grilled Chicken Sandwich: High in protein and lower in calories compared to fried options.
• Asian Cashew Chicken Salad: A good source of lean protein and vegetables.
• Power Mediterranean Chicken Salad: Another protein-rich option.
• Jr. Hamburger: A smaller portion size that can be suitable for bariatric patients.

Advice for Bariatric Patients Eating Fast Food

• Order from the kids menu when you can.
• Bring your own single-serving pack of nuts or seeds.
• Carry a bariatric-friendly protein bar in your bag or car. Eating a protein bar before your meal will really reduce the amount you eat.
• Ask for a side of sliced tomatoes or cucumbers (many places have these even if not on the menu). Eat these first, this helps fill you up.
• Order just the protein portion and skip sides altogether.
• If you order a bun, peel away half of the bun before you eat, which reduces the amount of empty carbs you will eat.

Eating Burgers After Bariatric Surgery Advice: One tip that bariatric patients use for burger places is to get the sandwhich with the bun, but then peel the bread off as you eat it, so that you still hold onto the bun, but when you bite you aren't eating it.

Additional Burger Chain Strategies:

• Order burgers "protein style" (wrapped in lettuce) or simply without the bun
• Ask for no condiments or condiments on the side
• Consider double patties to increase protein without extra bread
• Avoid special sauces, which are often high in sugar and fat
• Skip the cheese if you're sensitive to dairy
• Ask for grilled chicken instead of beef if available

Many chains now list full nutritional information on their websites, allowing you to plan your meal in advance.

Psychological Aspects of Fast Food After Surgery

Many bariatric patients had unhealthy relationships with fast food before surgery. Try to create new routines and recognize your trigger restaurants.

Check out our full collection of bariatric foods

Here's some advice on managing fast food cravings:

• Identify what you're really craving (Protein? Crunch? Saltiness?)
• Find bariatric-friendly alternatives that satisfy similar cravings
• Remind yourself of your weight loss goals and health improvements

What to Avoid at Fast-Food Chains After Bariatric Surgery

Just as important as knowing what to order is understanding what to avoid. These items can cause discomfort, slow weight loss, or contribute to nutritional issues. Being aware of potential problem foods can help you make better choices when dining out.

High-Carb Items

Carbohydrates, especially simple carbs and refined grains, can spike blood sugar and may cause dumping syndrome in some bariatric patients. Here's what to avoid:

• Buns and bread: These fill precious stomach space with low-nutritional-value carbs.
  • Hamburger and sandwich buns
  • Bread baskets served before meals
  • Wraps and tortillas (even "low carb" options can be problematic)
  • Breadsticks, dinner rolls, and biscuits
  • Breakfast breads like English muffins, bagels, and croissants
• French fries and potato products: High in starch and often fried in oil.
  • French fries and tater tots
  • Hash browns
  • Loaded potato skins
  • Mashed potatoes (often contain butter and milk)
  • Potato chips and crisps
• Rice and pasta sides: These expand in the stomach and provide limited nutrition.
  • White rice, brown rice, and wild rice blends
  • Pasta and noodle dishes
  • Rice pilaf and risotto
  • Asian noodle dishes
  • Grain-based side dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

Author: Carrie H.

Carrie is a passionate health and nutrition writer who transforms complex medical research into accessible, evidence-based content to empower readers to make informed choices about their wellbeing. With a background in science and a dedication to helping others live healthier lives, she provides thoughtful analysis of the latest studies and practical, actionable advice readers can apply to their own lives.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kevin Huffman

Dr. Kevin D. Huffman, D.O., is a renowned board-certified bariatric physician dedicated to the treatment of obesity. His expertise has made him a sought-after trainer for healthcare providers, and he founded American Bariatric Consultants to develop protocols and training materials trusted by medical societies, pharmaceutical companies, patients, and hospitals alike. Beyond patient care, Dr. Huffman's influence extends to preparing physicians for board certification, thereby expanding access to this crucial treatment.