The goal of any post-op diet for weight loss surgery is to provide the body with the wholesome nourishment it needs to fuel recovery while enhancing weight loss efforts. That usually means opting for healthy, unprocessed foods that pack tons of nutrition into small amounts your new stomach can handle.
But when life gets busy, or you don’t have enough time to prepare healthy snacks and meals at home, it’s important to have a few bariatric-friendly “grab and go” options on hand. With just a few tips and tricks in mind, there are plenty of fast food joints and take away restaurants you can enjoy in moderation. If you’ve recently undergone bariatric surgery, live in the Los Angeles area, and have received the all-clear from your doctor to consume solid foods, try these bariatric-friendly fast food options near you.
The Bodhi Bowl is a restaurant owned and operated by vegans, who focus on plant-based food options that feature grain bowls, salads, soups and sandwiches. See their menu on the Bodhi Bowl website.
$5.95-$9.75
Named the best rotisserie in Los Angeles by LA Weekly, the California Chicken Café focuses on fresh chicken that’s rotisserie-cooked for the perfect blend of juicy and savory. View the menu on their website.
$6.75-$13.75
Not everything on the Chick-Fil-A menu is bariatric-friendly, but this popular drive-thru chicken joint has a few options for a healthy meal in a pinch. Chick-Fil-A’s menu is listed on their website.
$3.75-$7.39
Since Chipotle allows patrons to customize the ingredients that go into their meal, it’s a great option for a post-bariatric surgery diet. Just make sure you skip the tortilla and opt for their burrito bowl instead. Chipotle’s ingredients and entree options are listed on their website, along with robust nutritional information.
$3.75-$10.60
Though not known for their healthy fare, El Pollo Loco dishes actually feature fresh chicken cooked over an open flame. The popular fast food chain also has a 500-calorie and under menu for smaller portion meals. Visit their menu on the El Pollo Loco website.
$1.39-$8.89
This restaurant seeks to do with healthy food what McDonald’s did for the hamburger. Much of what is on the Everytable menu is wholesome, nutritious and bariatric-friendly. Check out the regularly-updated menu on the Everytable website.
$4.85-$8.50
In-n-Out Burger is best known for their burgers and fries, but their extended “secret” menu features lots of healthier options that are bariatric friendly. See the In ‘n’ Out menu on their website.
$2.10-$6.70
The majority of the Jack in the Box menu is not bariatric-friendly, but a few recently added options are great protein-rich meals without the wait. Check out the Jack in the Box menu online.
$4.79-$7.19
Lemonade emphasizes seasonal ingredients in a casual environment, and there’s a huge selection here: salads, bowls, entrees, sandwiches, and “hot dishes,” their homestyle offerings of the day. If you’re vegetarian, good news — Lemonade has plenty of meat-free options, too. Find Lemonade’s seasonal menu online.
$3.25-$12.75
The fast food staple isn’t entirely bariatric-friendly, but recently added options feature healthier ingredients and a focus on wholesome nutrition. See McDonald’s full menu on their website.
$4.39-$4.79
To better serve customers on selective diets, Subway now offers salads along with their popular sandwich options. You can also select each ingredient you want in your meal, making substitutions much easier. See Subway’s full menu online.
$3.75-$7.50
Popular LA-based Sweetgreen prioritizes fresh ingredients from growers they know. With a rotating seasonal menu, you’ll always have something new to try. See their current menu online.
$11.25-$13.25
Taco Bell certainly shouldn’t be a regular haunt for post-op bariatric patients, but it can be a good option when you’re in a hurry. Their “fresco” menu features plenty of healthier, lighter options for selective diets. See their entire menu online.
$1.79-$3.99
This California-based, chef-led kitchen features seasonal ingredients with a focus on locally-sourced produce. Check out their full downtown LA menu online.
$4.00-$15.00
As the name suggests, California-based Veggie Grill uses a wide selection of fresh vegetables in their fare. Fresh, lean protein options make for the perfect bariatric-friendly quick eat. With seasonal bowls, salads and sandwiches, you have the ultimate in flexibility here. Check out their full menu online.
$6.50-$13.50
Your post-operative diet is an important part of your overall weight loss journey. Check out our weight loss resource center for more tips about what types of fast food you can eat after your weight loss procedure. If you have a question about bariatric surgery or our post-operative support, or would like to schedule a consultation, contact Soma Weight Loss.
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