Chinese food does not have a reputation for being weight loss friendly. It does have a reputation for filling you up and then making you hungry an hour later. That is less than ideal for weight loss surgery patients. In addition, traditional white or fried rice is full of carbohydrates and calories. Many sauces in Chinese food can be unexpectedly high in sugar. For these reasons, Chinese food is not often associated with weight loss.
But, everyone once in a while the internet throws you a bone. We found this recipe for an Egg Roll In a Bowl and think it can be an option for bariatric patients to get the taste of Chinese food while still being able to follow their post-op bariatric diet. By deconstructing the Egg Roll, this dish nixes the wheat-based wrapper, which lessens the carbohydrates and calories of the dish. The inside of the Egg Roll is not inherently bad. It’s traditionally made from ground pork, cabbage, carrots, garlic, onion, ginger, vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. While carrots are a source of carbohydrates, you can decrease the amount you add to reduce the carbs. Ground turkey can make an easy substitution as it is commonly tolerated by gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band patients and is lower in fat than ground pork.
As with any bariatric recipe, only try it if you have advanced enough in Dr. Shillingford’s post-op bariatric diet and tolerate the ingredients. Portion size is also something you will need to be mindful of. Take small bites, chew thoroughly, and stop when your new stomach says it’s full. This recipe may be moist enough for some, but may not be for everyone. If it’s not moist enough, you could try adding some more chicken or turkey broth. Or wait and try it again when you are in a later stage in your gastric sleeve diet.
For more bariatric friendly recipe ideas, “like” Dr. Shillingford’s Facebook page and check older blog posts here. By attending the In Person Nutrition Support Meetings you can also get recipe ideas from the bariatric dietitian and the other bariatric surgery patients.
