Bariatric Surgery Sample Diet
After the two weeks of recovery and the clear liquid diet, you as the bariatric patient must follow the strict dietary guidelines posed by the surgeon or dietician. The following table shows a sample bariatric surgery diet plan:
Time After Surgery |
Liquids |
Soft Foods |
Solid Foods |
| Day one – three | High protein liquid, water, optional beverages like unsweetened and decaffeinated tea | None | None |
| Three – four weeks | Skim milk, broth, modified and low-calorie liquids with high protein such as Ensure®, Boost®, Crystal Light®, and so forth | Soft, pureed foods; foods with no pieces in paste form | None |
| Four – eight weeks | Liquids high in protein, decaffeinated coffee and teas, diluted juice with water, and so forth | Eggs, tender-cooked pork or beef, fat-free yogurt or cottage cheese, low-fat deli meats, tofu, fat-free beans, soups, soft low-fat cheeses, soft cold cereal, oatmeal, cream of wheat, soft fruits without skins, softened vegetables, soft lettuce, low-fat soups, very dry toast, potatoes | None |
| 10 – 12 weeks | High-protein liquids | Low-calorie, low-fat, fat-free, sugar-free, and protein-rich foods | Seafood; tender, ground pork, beef, and chicken; beans; tofu; lean meats; fruits; and vegetables |
Foods to avoid
- Fried and junk foods
- Sticky foods like pasta, rice, macaroni and cheese, and peanut butter
- Crunchy foods like raw veggies, iceberg lettuce, nuts, fruit skins, chips, and popcorn
- Tough meats or rubbery textured foods like salami, hot dogs, and steak
- High-fat foods like whole milk, mayonnaise, cream and sour cheese, salad dressings, hard cheeses, bacon, and desserts
Dietary supplements
For the first three weeks after surgery you should take a chewable multivitamin or a children’s multivitamin. Adult tablets or caplets can be taken afterwards. After the first month, a calcium supplement is usually added. Depending on the type of surgery that you have, other supplements might also be added, such as vitamin B12 injections.
Keeping the weight off
After any type of bariatric surgery, it is necessary to follow your doctor’s dietary guidelines in order to achieve the greatest amount of weight loss and to avoid common problems due to overeating and consuming foods high in calories. You are not capable of eating the same foods or the same quantities after surgery. You must consult with your doctor to learn what you can handle after surgery: dietary plans, nutritional supplements, and exercise. Remember, bariatric surgery requires a life-long commitment of lifestyle changes.
What to Expect after Surgery and Keeping the Weight Off have detailed information on what it takes to make your surgery a success.
Get more information on bariatric surgery
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Find out if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery.