Bariatric Surgery Resources

Only drink sugar-free clear liquids, such as water, low-sodium broths (chicken, beef, etc.), diets sports drinks (Vitamin Water Zero, G2 Gatorade), decaffeinated coffee and tea.  You can also get these "liquids" through sugar free popsicles and jello.  In addition, aim to get 6 oz daily of protein shakes -you will probably need to split these up to 1-2 oz portions.  Protein Shakes should have at least 20g of protein, be 200 calories or less, and have 10g of carbohydrates or less - examples include XX

Within the 2 week after surgery, based on your surgeons recommendations, you can start transitioning to full liquids and mushy foods.  Example of items to eat during this phase are blended soups and smooth low fat/fat free yogurts

When you're ready, you will transition to blended and pureed foods.  Remember to listen to what your body is telling you - if something doesn't sit well, you may want to wait a few days or a week before trying it again. In general, the following order works best - but that may not be true for everyone

Start with naturally smooth foods, such as scrambled eggs or chopped hardboiled eggs and yogurt or with pureed soft foods, such as vegetables.

Try to introduce tuna or flakey white fish

Try to introduce ground chicken or pork, cooked vegetables (cook until very soft), cooked beans, and peanut butter

Try to introduce ground or shredded beef and soft ripe fruit (banana, peach, plum)

This is a regular diet which you can usually start 6-8 weeks after surgery (but remember to listen to your body!).  Foods you can introduce here include raw vegetables, crunchy fruits (apples, pears), nuts and seeds, as well as whole grains (rice, crackers, etc.)