Tips to Navigate the summer as a Bariatric and GLP-1 Patient

Oh the summer season…the holidays, the barbecues, the travel, the drinks flowing freely at every gathering…sound lovely, but can present its own set of challenges.

This is especially true for patients navigating a weight loss journey, whether they are a bariatric patient or using a GLP-1 medication (or both). But with the right game plan, you can have fun and also stay on track with your weight loss goals. We identified three common instances where patients may struggle and tips for how to be prepared. 

Holiday & Weekend Barbecues 

The Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day — every summer holiday comes loaded with food traditions and social pressure. Saying no to food offered with love, or considered a family tradition, is genuinely uncomfortable. But it gets easier with practice, and most people are more respectful than patients expect when given a simple, warm explanation.

The grill is actually your best friend — if you use it right. Grilled chicken, fish, and vegetables are among the safest and most bariatric-friendly options at any cookout. The trick is to skip the sugary BBQ sauces and choose a lower-sugar option such as Worcestershire sauce. If you’re invited to a barbecue but aren’t sure what the spread will entail, bring a bariatric friendly dish to share with the guests. Protein-packed skewers are crowd-pleasers that happen to be perfect post-op portions.

The culprit of the barbecue is the tempting snack table. It’s easy to mindlessly graze on bowls of chips, dips, and cookies. The best strategy is the simplest- take a small plate and allow yourself to indulge in a small portion of a favorite snack or dessert. Keep the basics in mind: Eat slowly. Put your fork down between bites.

You’ll feel satisfied without the guilt. Although the environment can be a “perfect storm” to hinder your progress, shift your focus to why you’re at the barbecue- to spend time with loved ones and to make new friends. 

Alcohol

This one is non-negotiable. A 2026 review published in the journal Nutrients found that procedures like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass fundamentally alter how the body processes alcohol. As a result, blood alcohol levels rise faster and higher than they did before surgery. A single drink can feel like two or three did before surgery. Beyond the intoxication risk, alcohol is high in empty calories and can contribute to the transfer of addictive behaviors that bariatric specialists actively watch for. Sparkling water with a lemon or lime wedge or a sugar-free mocktail keeps you social without the setback. If you do have a drink, consider a light beer versus an IPA, or make a wine “spritzer” by mixing white wine with club soda. 

Travel and Vacation

Travel introduces a different set of challenges — unfamiliar restaurants, airport food, road trip snacking, and the general vacation mentality of "I'll get back on track when I'm home." That last part is exactly where patients veer of course.

Before leaving, research your destination for restaurants with lighter or build-your-own options, or book accommodations with a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals. Pack extra vitamins and supplements in case you experience travel delays.

Your biggest secret weapon? An insulted water bottle. Hydration becomes significantly harder in summer heat, and the consequences are real. A 2019 study published in Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases analyzing over 256,000 bariatric patients found that dehydration was one of the leading causes of emergency department visits and hospital readmissions after surgery.

The good news is that traveling in the summer provides patients with the opportunity to try activities that they never could before: think kayaking, walking tours, swimming, hiking. If you’re not traveling this summer, don’t forget, you’re in Southern California. There’s no better place to be active outdoors. 

Marina Weight Loss Center offers ongoing support for both our bariatric and GLP-1 patients at every stage of their journey. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeremy Korman, contact our office.